I am very behind on posts, but I wanted to write a short note on two vaccines I got back in September.

I am a big fan of vaccines. This year I was very interested in getting the new Moderna mRNA vaccine (named mFLUSIVA®). mRNA technology is one of the coolest things to happen in health in my lifetime, and having had flu in the past I am eager for any edge I can get. The new vaccine has been shown to be 26.6% more effective in trials.

Moderna has a cool website where you can look up vaccine availability, but it isn’t always accurate. Call ahead. It said that my local CVS had it, but the scheduling process wasn’t easy.

I scheduled my appointment online but wanted to make sure it was the Moderna vaccine they had in stock, so I called the store.

An automated system answered the phone and asked me if I was a health care provider. I said “no” and then it asked me if I wanted the pharmacy or the front of the store. I said “pharmacy”.

Then the automated voice asked me what I needed. I clearly stated that I wanted to know the manufacturer of the flu vaccine I was scheduled to receive. It told me that it couldn’t answer that question, but never gave me the option to reach a human. No matter what I asked, it just kept repeating that it couldn’t answer the question.

So I hung up and called back. This time when it asked me if I was a health care provider I said “yes”, and pretty soon was connected with a nice person who got everything all sorted out (they had me scheduled for the regular flu vaccine). Luckily I’m pretty good at hacking automated voice response systems, but I can only assume they will close the loopholes in the future in the name of “efficiency”.

Oh, and the vaccine is not covered by insurance so I’m out of pocket $157. I got my COVID jab as well, but it was Pfizer. I also I want to check out mRESVIA®, the RSV vaccine, when it becomes available in my town.

The night after I got the shot I had the strongest reaction to any vaccine I’ve ever taken. After I went to bed I ended up with the shivers, and early in the morning my temperature was 102°F. A few hours later it was down to 100.4°F, and by morning it was close to normal, but I did feel rough all of that second day. By the third day I was fine, but if you are considering getting this shot I’d aim for a Friday.

I’m eager to see how well it works. It is supposed to cause an immune response so I know that part worked well.

My antibodies be swole.