What does getting the COVID-19 vaccine feel like, potential side effects? We ask an Allegheny Co. doctor

PITTSBURGH — Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Channel 11 has spoken with infectious disease Dr. Amesh Adalja multiple times regarding the virus.

He’s on staff at several hospitals and takes care of coronavirus patients in the ICU.

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Since March, he has waited for this day — when he received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. He now has a paper record of his vaccination.

“It’s kind of an honor to be vaccinated and be a recipient of such great technology. I think we need to thank the scientists who made this possible,” Adalja told Channel 11.

After getting injected, Adalja said he was instructed to sit in place for 15 minutes to make sure he didn’t have an allergic reaction.

He did not, and now Adalja will monitor himself over the next few days for side effects. He described possible side effects of fever, chills, headache and others.

“I know that’s a sign that the vaccine is working, that my immune system is reacting to what was injected into me -- and it’s doing what it’s supposed to do,” Adalja said.

The second coronavirus vaccine, from Moderna, could be just days away from FDA approval, but Adalja told Channel 11 you likely won’t be able to pick which one you want. Instead, it will be simply based on availability.

He will receive the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine in 21 days.

COVID-19 vaccine now being given to AHN health care workers