Here is Glenna’s experience as a living kidney donor when she received her 2 COVID Vaccine shots.
This picture was taken after receiving Moderna vaccine #1 and waiting to check for reactions (I had none). I was not looking forward to getting the vaccine but felt I really needed to. My husband has a new kidney transplant and is at high risk for infections. As an RN, I work at a cancer center and they are also at high risk for infections. I have been going into the hospital and clinics in person throughout COVID this past year. And as a living kidney donor, I want to protect myself.
Unexpectedly, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief after this first vaccine. I was finally able to take action after feeling like a victim of COVID in the past year.
That evening, I experienced a slight fever, felt tired, and my arm was sore. The next day all my symptoms were gone and I was back to normal.
This picture was taken 4 weeks later after receiving Moderna vaccine #2 and waiting to check for reactions (I had none). I was excited to get my second vaccine and looked forward to having the maximum protection possible against COVID at this time. Again, I had an unexpected emotion after receiving it. I was getting the vaccine to help protect my husband, those with cancer that I work with, myself as a living kidney donor, and my community! I felt that I was doing my part for the country and world to help make a positive change.
I had no symptoms that day, but I had a slight fever, aches, and felt tired the next two days. Those are signs of a good immune response!
Recommendations for those getting the vaccine are:
Increase your intake of water before and after receiving the vaccine (unless you are on a fluid restriction)
Start moving your arm as soon as possible in the vaccine arm
Over the counter pain medication may be taken after getting the vaccine for mild symptoms
Continue wearing a mask
Continue to physical distance 6 feet when around others
Wash your hands often
It takes about two weeks for your body to develop full potential immunity after the last vaccine. I still do not go out in crowds. Even with the vaccine, I believe we need to practice these added layers of protection at this time.
Do your part to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community!
Discover More about Living Kidney Donation at MyKDC.org.
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Glenna Frey, APRN-CNS, is a nephrology nurse who donated her kidney in April 2017 to a stranger. Amanda Frey, M.A., LMFT, LPC, is a Marriage & Family Therapist living with kidney disease. Together, they co-founded Kidney Donor Conversations in 2018 to provide education about Living Kidney Donation.
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