Yvonne Prieto, 15 yrs old

First Dose of Pfizer on 09/03/21

Second Dose of Pfizer on 09/24/21

Merced, California

15 yrs old at time of shot

Q: What was your life like before you got the vaccine?

Before I got the vaccine, life was really fun. I was constantly doing things and hanging out with friends. Me and my friends would race up the stairs and to certain classes, because it was just fun and something to do. I would constantly hang out with friends and do different things every day. I have always been active and was in drumline for 3 years, as well as color guard, band and water polo.

Q: Would you like to share your reasons for getting vaccinated?

I got the vaccine, because I was scared that my dad would get covid and become sick. We were told that he is a high risk and could possibly die if he were to get covid.

Q: What was your reaction, symptoms, & timeline?

The night of my second vaccine I started having really high heart rates, and I couldn't breathe. I went to the ER 3 times over the next week. My heartrate would get over 170 just sitting or laying on my bed. I would almost pass out if I stood up. They did move pretty quickly to get me in with a cardiologist. I missed about a month of school, because I couldn't stand or walk without feeling sick, dizzy and getting tachycardia. I also developed a tic where my head jerks and twitches. It has progressively gotten worse.

Q: What is your life like now, after getting the vaccine?

My life now is much more difficult then it used to be, and it feels like nobody understands that. Although I try to act fine all of the time, I'm constantly sick. Hanging out with friends is hard, because I can't keep up the way I used to because my heart rate goes so fast, and I get dizzy and short of breath. I also really get embarrassed because of the tic I have. My head will just jerk to the side at times, and I cant stop it. At school I have to use the elevator and none of my friends can use it with me. I have to take a heart pill every day or my heart will go really fast, and I can't control it. No extra activities, no sports. I'm hoping I am well enough to make it through prom.

Q: Share your experience with any medical care and any diagnoses you have received:

When it comes to medical care nobody wants to acknowledge that my injury is from the vaccine. Everyone just says that it has to be a coincidence. I stopped telling people about my experience, because they started telling me I was wrong and that it wasn’t possible. My mom has been the biggest support by far. She always advocates for me and I really appreciate it, because if it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t have anyone. My diagnosis at the moment is POTS, but the heart doctor tells me that there is nothing wrong with my heart; even though it takes off and I feel like I cannot breathe. I am waiting to see the neurologist to hopefully get some help with the twitches I have.

Q: Was your reaction reported, and what was the response?

My cardiologist reported my reaction to VAERS- finally. My mom did as well.

Q: Is there anything that has helped, and have your symptoms improved?

My Atenolol helped a lot, but I still have bad days and still feel like I’m going to faint very often.

Q: Have you had Covid before? What was your experience if so?

Yes, about 3 months after my vaccine. I had fever for a week and a cough.

Q: What do you wish others knew?

I’m not anti-vax! BUT, there needs to be honesty about side effects and reactions so people can research and make a decision knowing the truth. I am not imagining being sick!

Also when people have tic attacks or health issues, please don’t stare or mention it. It’s really rude and embarrassing.

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