Students discuss 2nd dose woes

More than 100 million Americans have been fully vaccinated, the vast majority being senior citizens

By Sam Barnes

With the recent announcement that the FDA will likely approve the Pfizer vaccine for children between 12-15, the entirety of the high school population will be eligible for vaccination. However, with the adverse side effects and distrust in the vaccine, many students may still be hesitant to receive their first jab. Despite these side effects, many students have already received their first and second doses.

“About twelve hours after I got my first shot I felt really fatigued, but then literally 24 hours later it just switched off and I went back to normal,” said senior Havyn Fish.

Her entire family is now vaccinated, including her brother, sophomore Richard Fish. When asked about his side effects, he seemed to have a better time than his sister.

“I had none at all. Not even a little bit,” he said.

“I didn’t really have any side effects from my second dose- I guess I’m built different,” said junior Ava Rowland, echoing sentiments from many vaccinated teenagers.

Unfortunately, not all students were this lucky. Junior Julia Fiedler was struck with strong side effects, including a headache, body aches, and chills.

“It sorta felt like I got hit by a bus,” she said.

Her situation seems to be common among second dose recipients. Many were afflicted with headaches, drowsiness, sore throats, fevers and chills. Yet despite those side effects, Fiedler emphasized her belief in the importance of receiving the vaccine.

“This kind of thing was researched for months; they make sure it’s safe for us,” said Fiedler. “They’re not going to put something out into the public that isn’t safe in people’s bodies. Even if you don’t feel like you need it, there are so many people who need you to get it to feel safe in public again.”

“COVID sucks,” said sophomore Lauren Schenck, “but that’s why it’s important everyone gets the vaccine. So we can go back to normal already.”

As vaccination efforts around the country continue to ramp up, it won’t be too long before each and every high school student is eligible for the vaccine. And while the side effects may be harsh in some cases and nonexistent in others, the resounding sentiment is that many feel it will be worthwhile.

Sam Barnes is a sophomore.

This is his first year as a staff writer for The Growl.