COVID-19 vaccines rolled out in Warren County on Monday.
Jerry Wakefield, a licensed first-responder who volunteers with North Warren Fire Department, was the first person in line to be vaccinated at Warren County Health Department on Monday. The injection was administered just prior to 3 p.m. He didn’t flinch.
“I wanted to be vaccinated,” said Wakefield. “We go into people’s houses. We never know what we are getting into. I don’t want to catch this and bring it home to my children. I’ve gotten lucky so far.”
The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was the first to receive emergency-use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Currently, there are two vaccines authorized in the U.S. The second vaccine is from Moderna.
Both vaccines require two doses. The Pfizer-BioNTech shots are being given 21 days apart. Moderna’s are given 28 days apart.
Wakefield admits to being a little apprehensive about the vaccine.
“I think I’m concerned about the typical things,” he said. “I don’t know what the side effects will be so I’m a little concerned about that.”
Some side effects, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, include pain and swelling on the arm where injected, and fevers, chills, fatigue and headaches throughout the rest of the body.
The side effects should be taken as “signs that your body is building protection,” according to the CDC.
It is recommended anyone receiving the vaccine wait at least 15 minutes under the supervision of healthcare professionals for any serious symptoms that could arise. Wakefield, who was vaccinated from the comfort of his vehicle, waited in the parking lot the recommended timeframe.
As of Tuesday morning, about 24,200 people in Tennessee had been vaccinated with their first dose, The Associated Press reports, with 200,000 vaccinations expected in Tennessee by the end of year, said Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey.