I'm getting my first vaccine tomorrow

[MustLoveBeagles]

Does it make any difference which arm I get the shot in?

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

1. Just in case you wind up with a very sore arm, get it in your non-dominant arm.

Although I think others have suggested doing it in your dominant arm, because you'll use that one a lot more which can be good for more or less working off any soreness.

Not that I've gotten the vaccine yet, so my advice is worth exactly what you've paid for it.

[dweller]

2. I'm right handed

and got both of mine in my right arm, it’s the stronger of the two and I figured I’d get over it quicker ... 2 days of soreness both times, that’s it

✌🏻

[left-of-center2012]

3. I had some soreness for a day after the shot

If you are right-handed I would suggest getting it in your left arm.

If you are left-handed get it in your right arm.

[50 Shades Of Blue]

4. I wish I could.

[MustLoveBeagles]

7. I hope you can soon

[50 Shades Of Blue]

26. Thanks!!!

[multigraincracker]

5. When I get out I always

Rub that arm around the shot hard for 5 minutes. When I got mine, I had to think which arm it was in the next day.
Good luck and let us know how it went.

[MustLoveBeagles]

9. I will

Thanks

[elleng]

6. I'll be having my first on Friday,

wondering whether the arm I sleep on, left, should be spared the shot. (I'm right-handed.)

[JenniferJuniper]

8. If you are a side sleeper, spare that side.

I go back and forth, and woke up every time I moved over to the shot side.

[multigraincracker]

11. If you have any discomfort

just think how bad having COVID might feel.
GF got her second one today and so far no problem.
Best of luck with yours.

[MustLoveBeagles]

13. Good luck

[SheltieLover]

22. Yaaaaay!

Congrats, Ellen!!!

[elleng]

24. Thanks, the County's finally got it together.

[SheltieLover]

25. Glad to hear!

[Rhiannon12866]

10. They told me to get it in my "non dominant' arm

I'm right handed, so I got it in my left arm. Good luck, everything went very smoothly when I got mine.

[MustLoveBeagles]

12. Thanks everyone

If I feel up to it on Friday I'll be working remotely so I don't want cause myself unnecessary pain in my dominant arm while using it. Since I'm right handed I'll probably get it in my left arm. Plus I usually go to sleep on my back and wind up moving to my right side while sleeping.

Thank you everyone for your responses. Everyone's advice was very helpful.

[pidge]

14. No,I have had 2 Moderna and just prefer left arm.

[MustLoveBeagles]

17. Welcome to DU pidge

I'm not sure which one I'm getting yet. It doesn't matter to me that much. I'll take whatever they have.

[SheltieLover]

23. Welcome to DU!

[Ocelot II]

15. Your non-dominant arm would be better.

It might not be sore at all but it's a common side-effect. Mine was sore for about 24 hours - it wasn't debilitating but I'm still glad I got it in my left (non-dominant) arm because it was definitely annoying.

[Arkansas Granny]

16. I'm right handed and got the shot in my left arm. I had a little soreness the next morning,

but it only lasted a few hours. I get my second shot next week.

[3catwoman3]

18. It does not matter which arm you pick.

It has been customary to use the non-dominant arm because one uses it less so you are less likely to move it in a way that accentuates the soreness.

However, seeing as the more you move an arm that has gotten an injection, the sooner your body will absorb the injection fluid and the sooner the soreness will improve, using the dominant arm guarantees more movement.

Bottom line - whichever arm you use - move it, move it, move it. I tell my teenage patients, “No pity parties!”

(Advice from nurse practitioner.)

[LetMyPeopleVote]

19. They like the non dominate arm

[Warpy]

20. Friends have said it's a little sore if they press on where the needle went in

which sounds like just about ever shot I've ever gotten in the deltoid.

The second shot seems to be the one that gives people 24 hours or so of feeling crummy enough to take some Tylenol and take it easy.

[SheltieLover]

21. Pharmacist said dominant arm better because it gets more use

And that extra use will reduce discomfort.

I only had mild discomfort/pain.

So happy you are getting vaccine!

[MustLoveBeagles]

27. Update

I got the Pfizer vaccine. I went to the mass vaccination site being run by the National Guard at our local fairgrounds. The whole process from beginning to end only took about 35 minutes. Everyone was helpful and very friendly.

I'm doing good mostly. My arm was sore for a few hours but it's been gradually fading. I've been exercising it since I got the shot and only get an occasional twinge of pail. I'm drinking water and had a bowl of soup but don't have much of an appetite. My stomach is still upset but that started before I got the shot. Note to self: Don't eat greasy hamburgers before the second shot!

[SheltieLover]

29. Yaaaay!

Congrats on 1st vax!

Glad to hear you are feeling well!

I didn't begin to feel arm discomfort for 6.5 hrs. Weird!

Keep hydrating & moving that arm, Beagles!

Ps - are you doing CDCs V Safe reaction tracker?

https://vsafe.cdc.gov/ords/f?p=713000 9:103036236591185:F87C0F13D737E1D327ACC3BD22C9CE56E5F462BC423A45F6D968CFCDAD937F2E2A1372095206C5D7B9A3CE9CD09D866E::::

[MustLoveBeagles]

30. I haven't signed up for that yet

Check your PM's

[trixie2]

31. I got my first dose on Friday, Pfizer,

I am upper 50s. Went to county health department. They had military precision. Got through the logistics in about 12 minutes and then to the tent for 15 minutes. I absolutely believe in having it administered by a nurse. Didn't hurt, had no complications or any soreness/stiffness. I did nap after I got home and was a bit sluggish for 24 hours. They did recommend you not get it in your dominant arm. The nurse said that we oldies, she and I were close in age, have less complications than those in their 30s and below.

My sister, an RN, thought my sluggishness was from the anxiety of the pandemic and going in for a shot. My ex Dr. doesn't believe in pandemic depression. I was suffering.