The debate by the pro-vax and the anti-vax groups on the effectiveness of the COVID 19 vaccine is on-going. In my view, despite some concerns, the scientific information points to the benefits outweighing the possible risks. With this belief, my husband John and I contacted our General Practitioner (GP) as soon as we heard that the medical centre she works from has received the COVID 15 vaccine allocation they applied for. This is the sharing of our COVID 19 vaccination experience.
Pre-Vaccine Assessment
The first step in getting the COVID 19 is to have a pre-vaccine assessment by your GP. John and I had this step done on March 29, 2021.
This involved the GP going through a questionnaire to which the patients responded accordingly. The questions included:
Yes No
[ ] [ ] Do you have any serious allergies, particularly anaphylaxis, to anything?
[ ] [ ] Have you had an allergic reaction after vaccinated before?
[ ] [ ] Do you have a mast cell disorder?
[ ] [ ] Have you had COVID-19 before?
[ ] [ ] Do you have a bleeding disorder?
[ ] [ ] Do you take any medicine to thin your blood (an anticoagulant theraphy)?
[ ] [ ] Do you have a weakened immune system (innunocompromised)?
[ ] [ ] Are you pregnant or do you think you might be pregnant?
[ ] [ ] Are you breastfeeding?
[ ] [ ] Have you been sick with a cough, sore throat, fever or are feeling sick in another way?
[ ] [ ] Have you had a COVID-19 vaccination before?
[ ] [ ] Have received any other vaccination in the last 14 days?
During the assessment, I asked the GP whether having had issues with varicose veins, I could be more at risk with blood clots. She explained that varicose veins are only the surface, whereas the risk of clots are in deep veins (deep vein thrombosis).
At the end of the session, the GP took our blood pressure and asked more questions about our general well-being. Then we signed the Consent Form for COVID-19 Vaccination. We then had our appointments for the first and second dosage scheduled.
First Vaccination Dosage
At the outset we were told that we would receive Astra-Zeneca vaccine. The first dosage was scheduled on April 6, 2021. I admit that I experienced some anxiety to receive this brand of the vaccine following some concerning news shared in Europe. The claims to the adverse side effect of blood clot are being investigated. So far, the statistics of fatality which may have been caused by the Astra-Zeneca indicate that the risk occurred in the young group of fifty years. A week before our schedule, there was a news item that a man, 44 years old from Melbourne, developed blood clot after receiving the vaccine. This case is being closely investigated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
A few days before our first dosage, we made sure to be rested and drank lot of pure orange juice to boost the Vitamin C protecting us from the common colds and any ailment related to the respiratory system. The night before we went to bed earlier than normal.
On the day, we made sure we were not stressed by traffic issues so we left plenty of time for our vaccine session at 2.05pm and 2.10pm. The process of being injected happened very quickly, We both did not even feel the needle prick on our left arms.
After receiving the vaccine, we were told to wait for fifteen minutes in the reception area before we leave the premises. Thereafter a stop for coffee and hot cross buns was very much welcomed.
After effects of the First Dosage of the Vaccine
Overall,both John and I did not experience the common claims of people who had the vaccine; these include sore or heavy arm; slight fever; headache; light headedness; difficulty with breathing and diarrhoea, dizziness, pain limb, decreased appetite, stomach pain and enlarged lymph nodes.
However, in the morning John related to me that he experienced some shivering for about five minutes, albeit without fever; he also had flu like symptoms for about an hour. I asked him to take paracetamol to help prevent developing fever.
I have across postings on social media by friends who were happy to share their experiences.
One of them is well-known community worker Obet Dionisio who posted:
Thanks Be To God, my wife experienced no side effects at all. As for me, I experienced flu-like symptoms like chilling, muscle aches, and diarrhea/diarrhoea (which are actually all listed in the provided list). After three to four days, I feel fine except the annoying diarrhea/diarrhoea (Loose Bowel Movement). Hopefully, it would be gone in the next few days.
Richard Hoskins who is an NDIS care provider shared:
I went to my GP to get a COVID vaccine but could not receive it because I lacked proof of my flu vaccine. However they screened me and had me complete paperwork and scheduled me for the following day! I went to the GP seen the GP in the room got my vaccine and given a information sheet! Today is day 3 and no issues from it! I expected the worst and get the best!
I thought to also share this Tweet regarding the vaccine by Hugh Jackman:
Wolverine’s healing ability can’t save me from COVID. But the vaccine can. Get it!
Preparation for the Second Dosage
As of this writing, three days had passed since our first dosage of the vaccine. So far, aside from John's brief episode of shivering and flu like symptoms, we have not had any after effects of the vaccine.
Our next dosage of Astra-Zeneca COVID 19 vaccination is scheduled on July 7, 2021 at same time. We will continue to monitor our bodies if there are changes that could be attributed to the vaccine.
We intend to remain positive that the vaccination will help us all in our fight with the invisible enemy. Despite the restrictions being eased, we would continue to observe the precautionary protocols of social distancing, wearing masks where the recommended 2sq m distance can not be observed, disinfecting hands, avoiding shaking hands and freely giving hugs, healthy eating and drinking. Between now and the next dosage of the vaccine, we will be closely following the advice of our health authorities and discuss with our GP any concerns we have.
We are all in this crisis so where we can, let us extend help to those adversely impacted by the COVID 19 situation.
It is also a very important part of our preparation and fighting the virus is our spiritual and emotional well-being. Let us continue praying for one another and being kind in our daily life.