I didn't have a choice where I live, but I got Pfizer, which is what I would have chosen. Reasons for preferring Pfizer are slightly better efficacy (at least before all the variants began to appear), more robust testing and better distribution. Moderna is a new company, so I figure there will be more of a heavy lift to become established. Pfizer and J&J have well established supply chains. From what I've read, the colder temps for Pfizer is partly a conservative approach. I think the distribution is pretty well monitored.

The negative reactions people get from Pfizer vaccinations are almost exclusively on the 2nd dose, which is an indication that one's body has manufactured antibodies, and the immune mechanism is working. Pfizer and Moderna have had a lot of use in real life, and J&J has yet to appear. It's not an mRNA vaccine, so it'll take a while to see how it works out.

My hunch is that with all the mutations we're seeing with this virus is that we'll end up with an endless vaccination regime, where, vaccines are produced that combat the most prevalent variants for the season, just like flu vaccines, and we'll end up getting periodic boosters. I just hope everyone takes this seriously, because the virus isn't going away on it's own.

I most definately agree with your hunch. And, as long as there are wet markets - even in Brooklyn, NY, USA - and as long as factory farming exists, we will also see totally new pandemics passed to us from animals.

Did you have both Pfiezer shots? Any reaction?

I get my 2nd dose on Wednesday, so I should know about reactions by the end of the week. I'll keep you posted.

I was told that some vaccine amdinistrtaors do it too high up and that causes pain. Should be 3-4 fingers down on shoulder.

I also read that moving your arm after ward helps...and maybe have Tylenol on hand? I'd ask the person giving the shot what you can do in case you have any reactions.

The nurse who gave me my 2nd shot said to drink lots of water, so I did. I felt no adverse effects other than a sore arm later (like the 1st dose). I was secretly hoping for a low fever so I would know my immune system was working.

I chose Pfizer because of its shorter timeframe between doses. I've been off RA meds (per my rheumy's instructions) to give the vaccine a chance to take hold. I have about 10 days more to hold out. Then I start on Enbrel.

My Immunologist told me to get Moderna if I had a choice. He liked it better and thought it would be a better fit for me, but to take the first available. He ended up with Pfizer. My whole family got Pfizer. I'm still waiting.

I had a 2nd dose of Pfizer on Wednesday. My arm hurt like hell through Wednesday night and all day yesterday, plus yesterday muscles ached all over and I felt chilled. I feel great today.

I have an appointment for Monday night. It is two shots, so it isn't the Johnson & Johnson one. That is all I know.

I saw my rheumatologist yesterday, and he told me to get the vaccine as soon as I am able. And that I don't have to go off my other meds, either. I think the beginning of a April they will be giving shots to people my age. I might try earlier, because of my disability. I probably would like the Moderna shot, but we have no choice.

We also have Astra Zeneca, which countries in Europe are refusing to give. Apparently, it can cause terrible blood clotting. So, I will stay away from that. I would like the J &J, but we have no doses in Canada of it!

Marlene - sorry Biden bought up all the J&J!

Today is day 4 since I messaged my Rheumatologist to ask if I need to stop Rinvoq to get a vaccine. Shopping for a new Rheumatologist. Good doctor but se is part of a way too large medical practice with every specialty under the sun and a horrible telephone and online patient portal messageing system. I need a doc I can REACH or who gets back to me within 24 hours.

My shot got rescheduled for this coming Monday afternoon and it will be Moderna. I'll keep you posted.

Im getting moderna on tues the 16th. My rheumy wants me to go off rinvoq for a week after each shot.

Am i the only one being told to go off meds except for deb?

I had the Astra Zenica and apart from a slight chills and headache I'm absolutely fine. No side effects now at all.