I’M FULLY VACCINATED!

After working Atrium Health’s Bank of America mass vaccination event, I’m even more proud to work for Levine Children's Hospital - with a newfound faith in humanity. To see all of the beautiful diversity in these people coming through and knowing we all have 1 common goal - we just want to get back to some sense of normalcy and see the ones we love without fear. I’m ready to get back to seeing my patients **in-person** and hugging my grandparents

A lot of people have been asking me questions about the process and what to expect, so here are THE FACTS:

1️⃣ PFIZER-BIONTECH VACCINE: This series is 2 doses given 3 weeks apart for people who are 16+. It cannot give you COVID-19 as it does not contain SARS-CoV-2 and is a mRNA vaccine. Many vaccines put a weakened or inactive germ into our bodies, but mRNA vaccines teach our cells how to make a protein that triggers an immune response inside our bodies. That immune response, which produces antibodies, is what protects us from getting infected if the real virus enters our body.

2️⃣ SIDE EFFECTS: Surprisingly, I had only a sore arm from the 1st dose. 2nd dose I had ZERO

side effects and my arm was even less sore. I took Tylenol every 6 hours preemptively. This varies for everyone and can include tiredness, headache, fever, and chills. Better than getting it though 🤷🏼‍♀️

3️⃣ HOW TO REGISTER: Start with your state’s Department of Health. Every rollout is different, but for CLT, use the COVID-19 Vaccine Prescreen Tool to see what phase you’re in and create a MyAtrium account. Hold on to your Vaccination card for proof. ‍

4️⃣ TRUST YOUR DOCTOR: Get information from trusted sources. I had my own doubts on getting it during the trial phase (didn’t want to grow a 6th finger lol), but I have consulted multiple healthcare workers and did a lot of research to make sure this was the right decision for my body!

5️⃣ WEAR A MASK: Don’t want to get the vaccine or can’t? No worries, just do your part to keep yourself and other people safe. It’s not hard - I wear one every day all day and still will be wearing one even though I got the shot(s)!

6️⃣ THANK A HEALTHCARE WORKER: This has been one of the toughest years of all time for doctors, nurses, child life staff, and all frontline workers. You can make a sign, donate food, and write thank you notes! They are heroes and deserve all the praise!

Get your vaccine and be a part of the solution - we are in this together!! Let me know if you have any questions and you can watch my step-by-step journey with the vaccine here.