For Immediate Release

12/30/2020                        

Phone: 980-432-1800
Website: www.rowancountync.gov/covid-19
Email: covid-19@rowancountync.gov

Rowan County Case Information: https://bit.ly/rowan-covid19-hub

One Week After Vaccination Follow-up: Public Health workers share their experience

As the COVID-19 vaccine continues to be administered to frontline workers throughout the county, we know one of the questions on the minds of many is what happens after the shot has been administered.  COVID-19 vaccination will help protect you from getting COVID-19. You may have some side effects, which are normal signs that your body is building protection. 

We followed up with health director, Nina Oliver, and Rowan County Public Health Medical Director, Dr. Lloyd Nickerson to ask about their experiences one week after receiving their first dose of the Moderna vaccine. Individuals receive their second dose 28 days after the first. 

1. How are you feeling today? 
   • Nina Oliver: “I feel great!"
   • Dr. Nickerson: “I am feeling well.”
2. Did you experience any side effects from the vaccine?
   • Nina Oliver: “Yes, a minor side effect. My arm that I received the vaccine in was very sore. It was stiff the next day and I took some Advil to help make it more comfortable."
   • Dr. Nickerson: “I had no side effects from the vaccination.”
3. What was recovery like? 
   • Nina Oliver: “I was fine. My arm was stiff for about two days and by the three day my arm felt normal.”
   • Dr. Nickerson: “Recovery is uneventful.“
4. How do you feel about getting the second shot? Why is it important to get the second shot?
   • Nina Oliver: “I am looking forward to getting my second dose. By getting my second dose I know I am protected and will help decrease the likelihood of me catching the virus.”
   • Dr.  Nickerson: “Wanting to obtain the second dose to complete the safety profile.  It is important to maximize the benefit.”
5. How is vaccine distribution going for Phase 1A? 
   • Nina Oliver: “It is going well. There are lots of unknowns because we have never done this before, but we are working closely with Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and County IT to make sure things run as smooth as they can. I appreciate that the public has been excited for the opportunity to receive their vaccine.”
   • Dr. Nickerson: “No problem with the distribution."

A Few Reminders

• Rowan County is working through the Phases set out by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Phase guidelines can change during this process. Updates will be provided to let everyone know when it is their time to receive the vaccine if they want it. 
• Side effects may feel flu-like, may cause a low-grade fever, and might affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days. 
• With most COVID-19 vaccines, you will need two shots in order for them to work. Get the second shot even if you have side effects after the first shot, unless a vaccination provider or your doctor tells you not to get a second shot.
• It takes time for your body to build protection after any vaccination. COVID-19 vaccines that require two shots may not protect you until a week or two after your second shot.

It is important for everyone to continue using all the tools available to help stop this pandemic as we learn more about how COVID-19 vaccines work in real-world conditions. Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others, stay at least 6 feet away from others, avoid crowds, and wash your hands often.

If you are skeptical or concerned about side effects, we hear you. The likelihood of a severe side effect is less than 0.5%. When mild side effects occur, they are a normal sign your body is building protection to the virus, and most go away in a few days. Getting vaccinated will help keep you, your family, and your community healthy and safe. The vaccine is extraordinarily effective at protecting you from the virus. By getting vaccinated, you can end the damage to the economy from continued lockdowns, prevent more illnesses and deaths in America, and eliminate and eradicate COVID-19.

If you have any questions regarding the vaccine, our public health staff are here for you and can be reached at: covid-19@rowancountync.gov. 

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Contact:
Alyssa Harris
704-216-8828
alyssa.harris@rowancountync.gov

Download Media Release COVID-19 - December 30, 2020 (PDF)