Disclaimer:  am not a doctor or medical professional. Please seek professional medical advice before making a decision about vaccination. 

I have had my first dose of the Pfizer vaccine against Covid. I’m sharing this experience for anyone who is unsure of the process, especially those who are chronically ill or disabled.  The Astra Zeneca vaccine is also available in Australia.

I had my vaccination on Monday. I feel excited and thankful to have had my first dose of the Covid vaccine. Though I am still taking precautions as there’s a Covid outbreak again, and we are in lockdown, again.

My eyes welled up in relief after it was administered.

Thank you science. Thank you nurses.

I am feeling very fortunate I could access this vaccine, and I hope that the Government makes it more available to those who urgently need it – chronically ill, disabled and older people, and healthcare workers, especially.

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I wrote this next bit the day after I was vaccinated. Three days after, and I feel fine, just sad we are in lockdown again. I have had no side effects in addition to the few listed below.
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It’s been almost 24 hours since I had my Covid 19 vaccination. I am fine! My left arm (where I had the needle) is quite heavy and sore – more so than when I had a flu shot. My upper body is tired. And I slept very well. But it was to be expected. It will be worth it.

 

I had the Pfizer vaccine- and it came about thanks to a Facebook follower sending me the number for the Victorian Govt Covid Vaccination hotline. Details are on the Vic Govt Covid vaccination website, and you can call 1800 675 398.

 

I am under 50 and in the 1B category, thanks to chronic illness – my dermatologists and GP recommended I get vaccinated as broken skin leaves me susceptible to infections – of varying types. My GP gave me letter with my diagnosis and medical history summary, which I took with me to the hospital yesterday.

 

I had to travel to a hospital far from home as at the time of booking, I think there were only five Pfizer hubs in Melbourne then.

 

When I arrived, there was a queue – it was long but moved quickly. The nurse coordinator asked my name and age and address and occupation. i said I am a writer, and she then said “you are here as you’ve got a chronic illness?”. I figure the occupation question must determine what category people fall into – I’m clearly not a healthcare worker!

 

I showed them my Medicare card and driver’s licence.

 

Once I was signed in, I waited – chatting to a guy who recognised me from Instagram. The wait time was short, maybe 10 mins at most.

 

Then I was seen by the nurse in a booth. I completed the consent form. The nurse asked me some questions – mostly to confirm what Ichthyosis is, if I am immunocompromised, and my allergens (the most concerning for them was anaphylaxis – which I have had twice). I said to the nurse that I’m needlephobic when it comes to blood tests, but this should be fine. She distracted me by commenting on my necklace. The injection didn’t hurt. I wasn’t given a bandaid – in case of latex allergy – but I did have a bandaid for my flu shot two and a half weeks ago. I then went into the waiting area for 15 minutes, felt fine, spoke to the nurse to confirm so, and drove home.

 

I was told I could make a booking for my next Pfizer dose much closer to home, but can’t book that appointment for another week or so. Another hub has opened near me. The second dose can be administered three weeks from my first.

 

More details on Australia wide vaccine availability are here.

 

I feel relieved I have the vaccine – to protect me and others. I strongly recommend you do the same. I will be updating you on my second jab when I get it in a few weeks.

I’m not a doctor, so I highly recommend you talk to your doctor to help make an informed decision about the vaccine.

PS: I’m still wearing a mask because I’m not fully protected against the virus, I was traveling on the train when I wrote this, and there are some new cases in Melbourne. Masks are now mandatory. Mask up, stay safe.

Image: a woman with a red face and dark curly hair tied back, wearing a rainbow print mask, a lilac jacket over a floral dress and grey jumper, and a Mary Poppins scene necklace. A yellow bird with purple flowers brooch is pinned to her lapel. A red brick building is behind her.