What was it like to have the coronavirus vaccine?
We've asked members of our community who've had the coronavirus vaccine to answer some common questions posed to our Support Services Team. This covers taking the vaccine and attending appointments.
We understand that some of you might be feeling a bit anxious about your upcoming appointment to receive the coronavirus vaccine.
That's why we've asked people in our community who've taken the vaccine to share their experiences with us. This, we hope, will help answer some of your questions and give you an idea of what you might be able to expect ahead of your appointment.
What kind of support did you receive at the vaccine site?
“Several very helpful people to look after us, and, if necessary, fill in the form for us.” – Janet, 79 years old, and who has non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
There was a trained nurse giving the vaccine and a doctor to answer my questions.
- Fran, 63 years old, and who has Essential Thrombocythaemia.
“The staff were great. They went over the vaccine information, asked about my health and the questionnaire I completed.” – Cheryl, 48 years old, and who has non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Were you asked about your medical history?
“I was asked about my medical background and a doctor was summoned on-site to discuss the vaccine with me." – Fran.
“All my medical history was discussed."
“I highlighted to them that I was due to have my immunotherapy a few days later.
“I was then told that it may lessen the protection of the vaccine, but that I will still have coverage. I was also told that I may be able to have a booster of some kind, if needed.” – Cheryl
Was it covid-secure? Did you feel safe?
“It was a covid-secure area and I did feel safe whilst I was there. All staff were at their designated stations, which looked like booths. They were in Personal Protective Equipment and had very good procedures in place from what I could see.” – Cheryl.
“Everyone was wearing a mask. We were spaced out in the waiting rooms, and the outside door was left open. I felt safe.”
- Janet.
"The site was covid-safe, with spaced seating and it was very well co-ordinated. Everyone wore face masks and there was adequate staff." – Fran.
Did it hurt, and did you experience any side effects?
Like all vaccines, the Pfizer, AstraZeneca/Oxford and Moderna covid vaccines can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Healthcare workers who administer the vaccine can tell you about any side effects and are trained in what to watch out for.
“The vaccine was given very gently, and I’ve had no side effects. I was given very clear information on what to expect afterwards, and what was within normal limits.
“My arm was a bit tender the next day. Around 11 days afterwards, the area where I had the injection was slightly red, and it’s still a bit tender and irritable.” – Fran.
"“I had the vaccine and I can honestly say, I didn’t feel a thing!” – Vivien Dagley, 71 years old, and who is on watch and wait for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.
Barely a pin-prick! It was over in a split second.
- Janet
“The vaccine didn’t hurt at all, it was like a flu jab. After having the vaccine, I was asked to go to a waiting area for 15 minutes in case of a reaction. A member of staff wiped down the chairs when people had left the area.
“I felt a bit nauseous after the vaccine, but that got worse after I had my immunotherapy four days later. I was extremely sick, vomiting throughout the night and had continued nausea for at least 10 days afterwards.
"The second jab was uneventful. I had no nausea or vomiting, which was great. I’m sure that my immunotherapy and the first vaccine didn’t mix well.” – Cheryl.
We've got information on coronavirus vaccines and blood cancer. This covers who can get the vaccine, and safety and effectiveness in people with blood cancer.
Worried about anything or have questions?
If you have any questions, worries, or just need someone to talk to, please don't hesitate to contact our Support Service by phone or email.