I wouldn't recommend taking your first Avonex shot and then going to work either. The side effects can be severe and since you haven't tried it yet, you don't really know how they will be for you. I know with myself - aches, chills, fever and just plain feeling crappy and I've been taking it for two years, my side effects have diminished somewhat. One thing that works for me is drinking lots of water the day of the shot and the day after. I usually take advil PM, and take my shot before bed. It knocks me out and helps me sleep through the side effects most of the time.