OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Vaccines are continuing to be distributed to health systems, pharmacies and long-term care facilities all across the state. Many in the state's phase 1A plan are starting to receive their second doses. Data shows that side effects associated with both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are heightened after the second dosage. But area healthcare workers from CHI Health and Nebraska Medicine say it fares little with what the actual virus can cause.
"It feels like a big step forward in trying to bring an end to this pandemic in this very long year," Nebraska Medicine's Dr. Andrea Zimmer said after receiving her second shot.
Dr. Zimmer along with fellow colleague Dr. Sara Bares say they had a few symptoms after the first shot like fatigue, pain at the injection site and chills. After they received their second doses Thursday, they now know what to expect.
"Fever, fatigue, are more common with the second dose. So we're anticipating them and are ready for them," Dr. Bares said.
But both of the infectious disease specialists say the joy of being protected outweighs the minor side effects.
"My dad in particular was really sweet and he just said he can sleep better at night knowing I'm vaccinated which made me feel good. Also knowing I'll be able to see him again soon," Dr. Bares said.
CHI Healthcare workers received their second doses on Monday. They said after their second doses they didn't feel much different after the first.
"I did maybe have some body aches that first 24 hours but I took ibuprofen, I felt fine," CHI - Bergan Mercy ICU nursing supervisor Dr. Amanda Clanton said.
Watch CHI Health are discussing their experiences getting the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine earlier this week below or on our Facebook page.
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