PC: @squatsandswatches

It's official! As of today, I am fully immunized against COVID19. I wanted to wait until a week after receiving my second dose of the vaccine before writing this in case I had any additional side effects or reactions.

I do not take it lightly that I have been afforded this opportunity of protection. Working in the hospital and in clinic while fighting the virus has been a testament to the oath I took as a doctor and one that I continue to uphold every day.

I received my first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine last year at the end of 2020 and my second dose 21 days later (one week ago). This was a voluntary injection offered by my hospital. I did my research and determined that the benefits far outweighed the risks. I encourage you all to do your own research as well using reliable sources such as the CDC, FDA, and NEJM. Be sure to speak to your physicians if you have any questions.

A recap of my experience (you'll see my second dose had more side effects than my first dose):

Countdown to the first dose:

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A post shared by Dr. Alyssa Cole, DO⚕️ (@doctor.cole)

Second dose with those Anti-BODY-ODY-ODIES!

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A post shared by Dr. Alyssa Cole, DO⚕️ (@doctor.cole)

And to compare the two mRNA vaccines:

We are on our way to healing as a nation from this pandemic. It starts with increased testing, vaccine distribution, PPE, medical resources, and enforced mitigation efforts. Please continue to wear a mask, social distance, wash your hands, and restrict travel as much as possible.

In the meantime, I will be joining the bandwagon and bringing home my very own "quarantine puppy" this weekend. Follow me on IG for updates @doctor.cole.