LVC students receive COVID-19 vaccine

By Madonna Borde ’21, staff writer

LVC’s physical therapy students and others in a clinical setting share their experience with the COVID-19 vaccine.

The COVID-19 vaccine is currently being offered to people categorized in the 1B phase in the state of Pennsylvania. This includes healthcare workers such as the education and speech language pathology majors on campus, as well as others.

Taylor Heggan, a fifth year physical therapy major, received her first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine in January at St. Luke’s Hospital in Bethlehem, Pa. She received her second dose of the Moderna vaccine on Feb. 6.

Symptoms of the vaccine can include dizziness, nausea, fever, chills and stuffy nose, similar to those of the flu. However, Heggan experienced no side effects, other than a headache that disappeared within 24 hours.

“I am terrified of needles,” Heggan said. “But I knew it was important to do, especially if I was going to be working in clinics. It’s really important when a lot of us are going to be working around elderly people.”

Ethan Hurd, a senior exercise science major and physical therapy student, received his first dose of the Pfizer vaccine on Jan. 23, before returning to campus as a student-athlete on Jan. 30. He will receive the second dose on Feb. 20.

Hurd experienced what is known as “COVID arm” about seven to eight days after the vaccine. Hurd woke up to a red circle surrounding the injection site, similar to a spider bite; he also had a full body rash, hives and swollen lips.

Hurd reported his symptoms to the clinic where he received the vaccine, Lebanon Family Health Services, and was prescribed a steroid and EpiPen. Fortunately, there was no use for the EpiPen and his symptoms have since cleared. Hurd said that Benadryl also helped as he appeared to have an allergic reaction to something, possibly the mRNA protein in the vaccine.

“Both [vaccines] have had enough literature showing that they’re safe and effective,” Heggan said. “If anybody’s hesitant about it, there’s enough literature out there that supports it. Do your research, look up credible articles, make sure that you find populations that are similar to you.”

Heggan and Hurd both said that they had never contracted the coronavirus and had to be tested negative before moving back on campus. They’ve found it important to follow guidelines such as social distancing, wearing masks, washing their hands and reducing contact both before and after receiving the vaccine. Both Heggan and Hurd encourage everyone who is eligible to get the vaccine.

“I was definitely confident in the effectivity of the vaccine,” Hurd said. “It’s just that my body reacted weirdly. It happens. It still doesn’t make me scared of the vaccine, I don’t think anybody should be scared.”

For those eligible for or curious about the COVID-19 vaccine, consult local physicians or health clinics. Information can alternatively be found on the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s website.

(COVID-19 vaccines are now being offered to all LVC students and staff.)