I am writing this shortly after having my first Coronavirus vaccine. Although I don't feel like I necessarily have to explain myself, the reasoning I have got it even though I am young is due to the fact I support very vulnerable people in my job. I am an extremely lucky 27 year old and genuinely feel privileged to have received a vaccine as I know some of those still vulnerable haven't (at this point). Not only does this protect the people I work with but also supplies a level of protection for my family which to my mind is just as vital. I genuinely believe that if anyone in my position was FOR the vaccine and was offered one they would, like me, accept the offer in a heartbeat.
The vaccine I received is a Pfizer dose, so the one that has to keep particularly cold. Much to my delight and relief, the actual shot of it wasn't. I was naïve in the facts behind this specific vaccine, only really understanding its high efficacy. I was soon told although it was transported at -70'c, the doses get 'defrosted' and then have to be used in a certain period of time. I was booked in to receive my first of two doses at part of the local 'Super Hospital'.
This genuinely was a really easy process. Once parked up I arrived to a reception area where I was asked to fill in a relatively basic health form about allergies and recent medical history. I was also asked to 'sign off' on permission that I understood the side effects this might possibly produce. Happily I continued and sat socially distant. I was then moved into a corridor outside a 'vaccination pod'. Whilst sat here I noticed that some of the people sat in the same area had a green highlight on their form. This was to signify that they had a allergy so were to receive the Astrazenica/oxford vaccine. I didn't have this as I am fortunate not to suffer any allergies outside of hay fever. After a short while and after a NHS worker, I entered the pod.
Rather nervous, I made sure that the lady 'Bev' was aware that I really didn't like needles. After talking through the rest of the form and sorting the formalities, it was down to business. I was super prepared, wearing a short sleeve shirt so I could amply pull my sleeve up. Bev then started a conversation with me about my job and aspirations. Not 2 sentences in and I started talking about doing Musical Theatre at University. By the time I had finished that second word, the wonderful Bev was already taping up my arm with some cotton wool! I didn't feel that sharp scratch they mention when giving flu or holiday jabs, in fact, I barely felt anything touch my arm. Being very grateful for the wonderfully easy process, I thanked Bev and left to go to a Recovery room where they book our next appointment and make sure that we don't immediately suffer any ill affects.
In the following couple of days, I was extremely lucky to suffer only one side affect in my arm being rather tender. A couple of my colleagues weren't as fortunate, suffering more flu like symptoms. This lasted only a day or so. This apparently was quite rare and proven very very unlikely to be serious. They have fully recovered now. With 3 weeks till the vaccines start to take full effect, I am not protected and am fully aware that even after my second dose, I am not fully immune and will follow all rules as I have done throughout. This naturally protects myself and other people to a lesser degree and I do feel like I am a small step in a marathon, but all steps are necessary.
Incidentally, only 3 days after my vaccine, I was 'pinged' by track and trace for the following 8 days. Taking into account the risks to those around me, I am following this guidance and am currently one of millions working from home. This means isolation and indoor exercise. Something an extrovert like me finds really quite difficult. This is something I was yet to experience in nearly a year of Covid. Thankfully the only part of the experience I haven't had is the actual virus itself. Since taking my first test in December, I have been negative twice weekly since. Until we find a way back to normal life, I am sticking to the guidance, laws and rules set by not only the government, but my employers. The more I do to keep people safe, the safer every single person around me becomes for others.
Please do continue to stay safe, remember that it be a team effort to get back to that life we all so dearly crave. One small step can help finish one long marathon.
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