Fatigue, Soreness, Nausea: Getting 2nd COVID Vaccination In NJ

The anticipation of receiving my second dose of the Pfizer COVID vaccine was almost eclipsed by the consternation and fear surrounding the scarcity of the inoculations and the halting manner in which they were being doled out.

Almost, but not quite. So here is my second pass at protecting myself from COVID-19.

I received my first COVID vaccine at the megasite at the former Sears location at the Rockaway Mall after some hard work and luck securing an appointment.

For those interested in how that unfolded including my experience registering, receiving the first shot and my reaction to it, you can read about it in my last story.

My experience at the Morris County megasite had me leaving my first inoculation appointment with a return appointment already set.

I know this was not the case for everyone. I know specifically my parents left their first appointment at the megasite at Rowan College without one. This left them anxious and constantly checking for updates. While sites have been operating differently, they are all supposed to provide you with a second appointment before you leave.

In the run-up to my second appointment I received reminder emails and texts that confirmed my appointment and reminded me of its existence.

The latter was unnecessary. I was counting the seconds.

The email reminders asked that I take a few minutes to preregister for my return, and it provided me with a link.

That process had me affirming my identity and insurance information and answering some questions verifying I had not received other vaccinations or been diagnosed with or exposed to COVID in the intervening three weeks.

I also uploaded a photo of my driver’s license as requested.

As the winter weather encroached on our area I anxiously followed as centers were closed and appointments were moved.

Fortunately, mine was locked in on Monday at 10 a.m.

Round Two

When I arrived, 15 minutes early as requested, the exterior of the center had changed since my first visit. Now there was a tent set up over the entrance way with portable heaters blowing and an entry line forming to the left.

Visitors were directed to the back of the line where they approached an entry sentry who checked names and appointment times before asking to see the vaccination card of those receiving their second shots.

Inside, the layout was the same as the first time I arrived. To the immediate right next to the escalator was an EMS tent for those who had extreme reactions to the vaccine.

According to the people I spoke to, that area had not been used for such reactions. The only people who were sent into that area were people having panic attacks.

Straight ahead of me was a check in station, where a uniformed member of the U.S. Army checked me in and handed me a laminated card with a barcode on it.

From there I wended my way through a mostly empty maze that could accommodate many socially distant patients, stopping at another uniformed soldier before a bank of registration tables.

In my first visit, there were a total of ten tables set up with five manned. This time there were triple the amount of stations and double the amount were open.

After being directed to the first table I again shared my name and had my ID verified before taking the long walk to the vaccination area.

I was ushered to vaccination station 12 without even breaking my stride and the technician there tolerated my questions about her and what it was like working there.

(Truth be told I had a half dozen more animated conversations with the soldiers who loved my “Assassin’s Creed” mask.)

Choosing my non-dominant arm I was given a quick swipe and a stick and a band-aid was placed over my very hairy injection site.

From there I was given a sticker with my “release time” on it and sent for observation.

This time around the observation area was bifurcated between first and second shot recipients. EMS volunteers patrolled the area, warning of side effects and checking for reactions while soldiers with laptops helped those who needed them schedule their second appointments.

This time around I did not feel the burning sensation I did in observation the first go around, but my arm did get sore, with muscle pain fairly quickly.

I was released after 30 minutes with no symptoms and was directed to a “checkout” station where my card was scanned and returned.

The Aftermath

The soreness in my arm was joined by a headache by the time I returned home. I showered and felt fatigue, so I decided to rest my eyes shortly after noon.

I woke up at 5:30 p.m.

I had dinner with my family and watched a movie under some blankets as my temperature rose and some chills set in.

That was as bad as it got Monday.

Tuesday morning I awoke with nausea and a headache that came and went throughout the day and fatigue that came around 5 p.m. When I awoke Tuesday, I still had a lingering headache, but even that was receding.

And I know I am one of the lucky ones. Some people had it much worse.

I also made the decision to not treat any of my symptoms with over the counter medication because my medical team cautioned it could impact the efficacy of the shot.

A really excellent description of what the vaccine does to you and why some people’s immune systems are “divas” was published here in the Atlantic.

As our bodies churn through new information, “some people’s immune systems are louder than others’,” Jasmine Marcelin, an infectious-disease physician at the University of Nebraska Medical Center said in the story. But the quiet ones are still hard at work. No reactions or mild reactions are nothing to be concerned with.

Those who are looking for more information on how to get vaccinated can look at our vaccination guide below. And those who have questions for me can reach out at russ.crespolini@patch.com

Morris School District Librarian Debra Gottsleben has set herself up as a vaccine hunter, curating ways in which to get the elusive inoculation. Below is the result of a collaboration with her:

It All Starts At The Top

There is no requirement to register with the Garden State in order to get a vaccine, it does open up more options to chase down the small supply available. Registering with the state site can be done through their website.

Those registered will receive an email from the state identifying what category they fall in. Currently, the New Jersey is vaccinating 1a and some 1b. This email alone provides nothing but information.

A second email from the state will give you a link to their scheduling system. But this is only for some state-run sites. Those who chose can sign up with outside agencies for a vaccine such as ShopRite, Atlantic Health, CVS, depending on where they live.

In all cases once the link is received it is a matter of constantly checking throughout the day. New Jersey also has a phone line to help with vaccine scheduling questions. The number is 1-855-568-0545.

Specific Locations

Acme Pharmacy

Acme is not doing COVID vaccines yet, but you can now sign up at their website to be alerted when the vaccine becomes available in your area.

ShopRite

The site is well-traveled and there is a wait to even access the site. Users are limited to searching by zip code which then defaults to a 10 mile radius search. So it is good to have some alternate zip codes available.

You can access their website for more information or call 856-627-8137 for more information.

Atlantic Health

Is asking for people to sign up for appointment alerts on their website, and then they will reach out to eligible folks in the order of their sign-up, when they have vaccine, so they can book an appointment. This solution is much more able to handle the incredible volume of folks actively looking for an appointment than the mychart option, which is used systemwide for the scheduling of appointments of many types across the system, officials said.

Hackensack Meridian Health

While the website says you must be a patient, there are reports of several people who have gone to their various sites in northern New Jersey. You can try your luck through their registration process

RWJ/Barnabas

Prospective patients must register first to be on the RWJBarnabas vaccine list. Once you have registered you will be contacted on how to proceed.

Summit Medical Group

The Summit Medical Group is only vaccinating current patients. Those who qualify will receive, and have received, emails when vaccination appointments are available.

County Clusters

Atlantic County

Sign up to get an appointment at the Atlantic County megacenter through the website.

Bergen County

The Bergen County Megasite at the Meadowlands is administrated by Hackensack Meridian. Registration is done through their website.

Valley Health Systems also has their own registration portal on their website.

Burlington/ Camden County Megasite

The Moorestown site was chosen due to its proximity to Camden County. Anyone in the region can set up an appointment through the website and complete the form.

Camden County

CAMCare Health Org is taking calls at 856-583-2400/

Camden County is administering vaccines through Cooper Health and scheduling happens on their website.

Riverside Medical Group is asking established patients to register through their website.

Rowan Megasite can be accessed by registering through their website.

Cape May County

Register with the state site.

Cumberland County

To register for a vaccine in Cumberland County visit the website.

Essex County

You must be an Essex County resident or work in Essex County (part-time work is ok) to register for a vaccine in Essex County.

To register for their many locations, visit the website.

Essex County does have a help line to answer general questions about locations and how to sign up: 973-877-8456

Gloucester County

The Gloucester County Mega Vaccination Center is located at the Rowan College of South Jersey, Gloucester Campus at 1400 Tanyard Road in Sewell. To sign up for a vaccine use the state registration site. You will get an email telling you when you can try to set up an appointment.

Hudson County

The Hudson County COVID-19 vaccination site is located at the USS Juneau Center at 110 Hackensack Avenue in Kearny. This is a drive-thru site. You must remain in your vehicle in order to receive the vaccination. Advance registration for an appointment is required through the website.

Hunterdon County

Hunterdon Medical Center has a phone appointment system with priority is given to people who live or work in Hunterdon County. The number is (908) 237-4238 select option 3 to schedule. Appointments are contingent on vaccine availability.

The link to the County site for registration can be found on their website.

Mercer County

Mercer County vaccination sites are using the state of New Jersey vaccine registry (NJVSS) system to schedule residents for vaccines.

Middlesex County

Middlesex megasite is located in Edison at the NJ Convention and Exhibition Hall located at 97 Sunfield Ave. Qualified individuals can complete a vaccine registration form on RWJ BarnabasHealth’s website.

Monmouth County

To get on the Monmouth County waitlist sign up on the website.

CHEMed offers the Moderna vaccine when available at 732-523-7955.

Morris County

The options are to sign up on Atlantic Health's site to get an alert to be invited to try for a vaccine appointment or try going through ShopRite.

Riverside Medical Group at 501 State Route 10, Ledgewood is also giving inoculations.

Ocean County

CHEMed in Lakewood can be reached at 732-523-7955 or on their website.

Long Beach Island Health Department can be contacted on their website.

Passaic County

Those who live or in Passaic County can access the registration portal online.

Salem County

Check the Salem County Dept. of Health website for availability through their website.

https://health.salemcountynj.g...

Somerset County

If you live or work in Somerset County schedule a vaccine through their website.

Sussex County

To make an appointment for the Sussex County Fairgrounds, Augusta, drive through site visit the website. There does not appear to be a residency requirement.

Union County

To access Union County sign up visit the website.

Warren County

You must live, work, or go to school in Warren County to be able to receive a vaccination from a Warren County government vaccination clinic.

These sites are in Warren County but aren't part of the county system-

Hunterdon Family Medicine @Riverfield Washington, NJ 908-237-4238

St. Luke's Hosp. Phillipsburg to access vaccine appointment visit the website.

Make Sure You Qualify

As the search continues for COVID-19 vaccinations as the supply remains woefully short of the demand, some find themselves in the enviable position of having to cancel their appointment because they check off a few unfortunate boxes.

Officials note that Garden State residents will not be able to administer a vaccine if any of these conditions apply on the day of appointment:

• If you have experienced any of the following symptoms in the past 48 hours: fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, runny nose, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• If, within the past 14 days, you have been in close physical contact (six feet or closer for a cumulative total of 15 minutes) with someone who has laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 or COVID-19 symptoms.
• If you are isolating or quarantining because you may have been exposed to a person with COVID-19 or are worried that you may be sick with COVID-19.
• If you are currently waiting on the results of a COVID-19 test.

Anyone that falls under these categories are asked to cancel their appointment.

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