North Shore Residents Say They're Glad They Gave Vaccine A Shot

PEABODY, MA — With the number of state residents eligible for the coronavirus vaccine expanding by 1 million as of Thursday, and the state steering more people toward mass vaccination sites like the Danvers DoubleTree Hotel, Patch asked those on the North Shore who have gotten the shot to share their experiences.

While those involved with the chaos in Danvers last week, when reports of extra doses drew hundreds to the site without an appointment, shared a long and confusing experience that ultimately ended with the satisfaction of a first dose, most who responded to Patch said they were pleased with the process that was fairly speedy and had few side effects.

"I am fully vaccinated and thrilled," Peabody resident Lorraine Murphy told Patch. "A health care worker currently helping to test and vaccinate patients and staff, I was eligible in Phase One. I am a huge vaccine advocate having lived through polio measles and rubella and having seen the devastating effects of preventable diseases."

Murphy said she had "mild soreness" in her arm after the first dose — "Nothing I haven't experienced with other shots," she assured. – and a mild fever with some gastrointestinal symptoms that lasted about 24 hours with the second dose.

“Over quick and better than COVID,” she determined.

While Murphy said she was eager for the vaccine as soon as she could get one, Patch reader Jerre Oates admitted he was "reluctant to get the shot" but decided to do so given that he is 75 years old and "at risk."

"The actual shot was painless," said Oates, who got his first dose this week. "My arm hurt slightly for a half a day. I felt great.

"I am so glad I overcame my misgivings and I look forward to my second shot and immunity."

Starting Thursday, all state residents 65 years old or older will be eligible for the vaccine, as well as those with multiple underlying health conditions and those who live and work at private senior housing.

The state has also prioritized the mass vaccination sites like the Danvers DoubleTree Hotel over smaller municipal sites that allow only residents of that community.

"I received my first vaccine and was very impressed with the organization and the staff," Dorothy Klocker offered. "Everything went very smoothly. My first appointment was for 3 p.m. and I was on my home by 4 p.m."

Ronald Olsen, of Marblehead, said he got the Pfizer vaccine at the Danvers Walgreens, while his wife got her shot at the Danvers mass vaccination site — with slightly different reactions. He said he had no issues, while his wife did have some arm pain and a headache.

"We both have appointments for the second shot," he said. "Looking forward to being able to visit our son and his family in New York hopefully later this year."

Olsen said not much will change for him in the short term, however, with the majority of the public yet to be vaccinated.

"As an adjunct professor at a local university, I have been teaching remotely for the past three quarters, and will continue to do so this next quarter," he said.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)

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