Got Covid for the first time last October and ran a 103 degree fever for days and struggled to feel completely normal for almost two weeks. I was already planning to keep getting the shots prior to catching it but definitely keeping up with them now. I hope to never catch that one again.
For what it's worth, the first time anecdotally seems to be worse a lot of the time.
The vaccines produce very specific antibodies which do help, but when you get a real infection your body is able to make all sorts of other antibodies as it's not only based off the very specific vaccine output.
So the 2nd time you get it, you now got the various vaccine antibodies / knowledge, and the more smorgasbord of antibodies and knowledge from the actual virus.
Not to say it still can't be bad, but there's a little hope that it might not be as bad.
Also heads up the vaccines are typically more symptomatic after you’ve had the full on disease. So don’t be shocked if you feel like shit for a day or two after your next shot. Still better than the real disease though.
If you just had it, you get some immunity for awhile. Then get the vax as soon as allowed. That will help you ride out the later end of the winter surge, while others' immunity is waning.
I guess I got lucky. Got Covid for the first time (as far as I know) last month. Was basically just a bit tired for four days with sniffles. Maybe I'll wait until December to get this shot before the holidays begin.