link to original reddit post by /u/CaVeRnOusDiscretion
I've heard over the past year that vaccine reactions have been reported in VARS and even under-reported. But by all available data that I have seen, considering the number of doses administered, I did not think I would see one in real life.
Some backstory
I am a Company Grade Officer (CGO) in the USAFR. The mandatory vaccination that is going on in the military has hit my unit and I'm very proud to say that my flights have all remained respectful during the rollout regardless of politics. Leadership higher than the Wing has given terms to the wing that those members who have remained unvaccinated were required to report to the POD (Point of Distribution) and categorize themselves into one of 4 classes. If they failed to report at all, automatic Article 15. The 4 classes were:
1 - Voluntarily get the vaccine after council
2 - Provide proof of Religious exemption with the caveat that they needed to prove their history with a declination of other vaccines that were given to them in boot.
3 - Medical exemption with documentation
4 -Declination
Choices 2-4 all came with the foreknowledge that this decision will have a negative effect on that person's career. We have not received clear communication on what that would be and up until yesterday, it was the squadron commander's discretion to formally council each member about these ramifications. (Basically a slap on the wrist that will have almost no impact. It only documents the exchange for future disciplinary action)
Actual Story.
We have a MSgt snuffy (colloquial term for John Doe) whose mother and sister had reactions to the FDA-approved Pfizer. We could not verify this as the information is HIPPA, and it would not provide substantial enough evidence for class 3. So MSgt Snuffy, who wants to maintain her/his reserve retirement after putting in 16 years reported to the POD. ASTS is on location for administration and observance for a period of 30 minutes post-vaccine. She/he seemed ok post-administration but during observation, her head & throat began to swell. ASTS was fortunately on hand and rushed her/him to medical care and she/he is ok. But if they hadn't been there who knows what would have happened. During this period, those who went with her/him either had the vaccine administered at the same time, or declined and watched her/his reaction. I can only imagine their hesitancy being cemented during this event. I can't shake it either since I had to sign the counseling paperwork for them. Our reserve base has maybe 3k personnel and the stats for vaccine reactions simply didn't make it seem feasible that I would actually see one. This just sucks.
Understand I think the military is a contract with the stipulation that you are essentially signing over your body to the gov't. I personally did this because I believe in conserving many of the freedoms that this sub & I hold dear.
If I could do anything different. I suppose I would tell another party to escort anyone with fears of reaction as a means of comfort & safety. Look out for your people, don't take risks just because some other people are being shitty and lying about their medical fears.