Newsline reporter Rachel Smith sat down with three people who got the COVID-19 vaccine to take a closer look at what it’s really like.
Kelly Washburn teaches in the Canyons School District and was qualified to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Initially, she had some reservations.
“Myself and my son have had some adverse side effects from the flu shot or different things in the past that we weren’t supposed to have side effects, so I was a little nervous,” said Washburn.
After consulting with her doctor, Washburn decided the benefits outweighed the risk. She said the shot gave her a headache, but a few days later, the symptoms got worse.
“I got a really upset stomach, and that lasted a few days.”
But Washburn said the disclosure statement they had her sign upset her almost as much as the vaccine’s side effects.
“In my mind this was all FDA-approved, so you had to sign this disclosure basically stating that you know it’s an emergency use, and there’s nothing you can do about it if you do have side effects.”
Even with the side effects and disclosure statement, Washburn said she plans on getting the second dose.
Two Brigham Young University nursing students who got the shot said they had only minor problems.
“I’m a big supporter of vaccines. I love vaccines, and I felt pretty confident in the researchers that were behind it,” said MJ Carpenter.
Carpenter had minimal side effects, but the vaccine made Julia Haws sick.
“My whole body was super achy and I kind of had the chills a little bit, so I just took the whole day off,” said Haws.
Their symptoms only lasted about a day, and they encourage others to do data-based research and get the vaccine if they feel comfortable. For updates on vaccine eligibility, visit coronavirus.utah.gov.
