09/03/2021
My vaccine experience- A review of my experience at GPHC a review of my symptoms and a few lingering questions.
In the days leading up to my vaccination, I was hesitant. However, after reassuring myself that I had reviewed all the facts before me, I was comfortable that I had come to the best conclusion which was to proceed with vaccination. This would ensure my personal safety as well as the safety of those dear to me with whom I interact daily.
On the day, I joined the queue accompanied by three close friends. I was pleased to see that GPHC had constructed an open-air, outdoor waiting area furnished with benches and chairs so as to facilitate proper physical distancing.
Mark, set...
When we got to the front of the initial queue, we were interviewed and the details we provided were meticulously documented. We were presented with a modified vaccination schedule which included two pages - one for each dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine we agreed to receive. We were also offered a leaflet containing basic information about COVID and the vaccine. After that, we waited outside for a brief moment then headed inside to receive the jab.
The big moment!
The jab itself was a painless and uneventful one. The care provider made all efforts to ensure that I was comfortable before the quick procedure. The moment came and lasted only 20 odd seconds. I was excited to receive my superpowers! Immediately after, we were asked to wait for 15 minutes in a predetermined observation area. I was happy that the main parts (the procedure and the immediate observation) were conducted while maintaining some semblance of privacy. Though there were a few others present, there was an odd degree of comfort that I felt by being around other healthcare workers as I waited.
Side effects?
In the first 6 hours, the symptoms were mild. I began to experience some generalised weakness and slight dizziness. Three hours after, they were all gone. However, I noted that I was feeling a bit chilly. I was unsure whether it was due to the environment or whether I was about to have a fever. Nonetheless, I took some Panadol. lol
By 15 hours post vaccination, I began experiencing a high grade fever with chills. I was having nausea, severe myalgia (muscle ache) and my skin was exquisitely tender. I was drinking water every half hour but this did not seem to be quench the scorching dryness in my throat. I was passing frequent large volumes of urine.
Within five hours, the severe symptoms vanished. I had some lower back pain and tenderness at the site of injection. At this time, I noticed that my lips were swollen and blistered at the angles.
Just when I thought it was over, the most excruciating headache started. This headache was not responsive to Panadol nor increases in water intake. The headache lasted a few days.
Ministry Follow up?
The Ministry of Health team called within the window of time when my symptoms had subsided and thus, I had no severe complaints at that time. She was kind enough to suggest that I make a note of the hotline number so that if debilitating symptoms retuned, I should contact them in addition to seeking medical help. So I must say that the follow up was present and helpful.
Overall opinion?
Like many vaccines and in general, many medical interventions, there is a degree of personal risk that we must be willing to accept and own. Reading material was provided, the side effects were made known to me, and I conducted my personal risk/benefit analysis. I concluded that I wanted the vaccine.
For the wider population, it definitely makes sense to take the vaccine regardless. There are unquestionable and sound reasons why many populations or sections of society would be hesitant. However, Small Pox, Polio, Whooping Cough, Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Diphtheria, just to name a few, are diseases we almost forget about. Their effective eradication in some parts of the world is due to massive and effective vaccination campaigns. But beyond the vaccine campaigns, those populations were willing to bear a few side effects of it meant that their entire communities’ overall risk was reduced. This is our social obligation. Preserve ourselves by preserving our environment.
Vaccines have proven themselves to be effective in protecting the individual as well as the larger population. Get vaccinated as soon as the opportunity presents itself.
My lingering question settles at the feet of the Ministry of Heath.
Would the first persons vaccinated constitute a local cohort which will be part of a longitudinal study of the vaccine and its side effects? There was a tremendous amount of data gathered during the registration process. In the age of evidence-based medicine, it is imperative that we systematically analyse our own, local data and determine our own standards.
Data should be gathered with intention.
