This is part of a series that will share real stories of people who have decided to get a COVID-19 vaccine – how did they decide, what was it like and how are they feeling now?

Megan has many different roles in her life — mom to four children, part-time emergency room nurse and BlueCross case manager.

She’s witnessed COVID-19 firsthand working in the ER and within her own family, but she was still anxious about the decision to be vaccinated when she became eligible in January. She was breastfeeding and worried about the limited information available and how the vaccine might affect her child.

After conducting her own research and speaking with her child’s pediatrician, she ultimately decided the risk of the virus outweighed any potential risk of the vaccine.

Here’s what Megan shared about her decision to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

How I decided to get a vaccine

There was one Saturday where I was working a 12-hour shift in the small North Georgia ER where I’m a part-time nurse. In those 12 hours, I had 12 patients who were tested for COVID-19, had COVID-19, or were suffering from long-term symptoms and complications from the virus.

I’d been skeptical and anxious about vaccination due to the limited information at that time on how the vaccines may affect a child through breastmilk. I’d been doing my own research and talked to our pediatrician, but it was during that shift that I decided it would be a bigger risk to my husband, children and parents to not be vaccinated.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has since released guidance that COVID-19 vaccines do not present a risk to breastfeeding mothers and their babies. Reports have shown that breastfeeding mothers have actually passed antibodies to their babies through their breastmilk, which means these vaccines are protecting both mom and baby.

When I got my vaccine

I received the first dose in January and the second dose in March at CHI Memorial Hospital.

How I felt shortly after

After the first shot, I had some chills, but was fine by the next day. After the second shot, I had some chills, body aches and nausea, but again, those were gone after about 24 hours. After that I was fine.

How I feel now

I feel great. I’ve had no issues, and I’m so happy that I chose to get the vaccine.

The COVID-19 virus is very real, and it’s very dangerous for some people. It isn’t worth the risk of not being vaccinated if you can prevent even one person from getting the virus and possibly being intubated or dying.

More COVID-19 vaccine stories from WellTuned

• My COVID-19 vaccine story: Kerri Brewer
• My COVID-19 vaccine story: Dr. Jeanne James
• Tips for talking about COVID-19 vaccines with loved ones
• My COVID-19 vaccine story: Jana Keil
• COVID-19 side effects: what to expect + tips for care
• How effective are the COVID-19 vaccines – and what does that mean?

Need advice?

If you have questions or concerns about vaccines based on your health status, speak to a provider who knows your medical history. Your friends and family may have good intentions, but they may not know your body like you and your doctor, so it’s important to speak to a provider who knows you well.

If you do decide to go online to learn more about vaccines, do seek reputable sources like the CDC, FDA or World Health Organization (WHO). You can also visit BCBSTupdates.com to get the latest facts on and support for COVID-19 and vaccines, along with information on how we’re supporting our members and communities through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Get more information about specific health terms, topics and conditions to better manage your health on bcbst.com. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee members can access wellness-related discounts on fitness products, gym memberships, healthy eating and more through Blue365®. BCBST members can also find tools and resources to help improve health and well-being by logging into BlueAccess and going to the Managing Your Health tab.