Most people, thankfully, will have little or no symptoms but I wasn’t that lucky. Fortunately, it only lasted a few days and I am now as right as rain. Here’s a little about my experience of having my first jab and some tips to cope afterwards.
I had my vaccination at Elland Road. I booked my test online and received a text message confirming the date, time and venue.
When the day itself came, I arrived five minutes prior to my appointment and I was directed to a carpark around the back of the stadium, from where it took a few minutes to walk to the venue. Somebody checked my text message at the entrance and offered me hand sanitiser. Once inside I was directed towards a booth to check in, and then waited no more than five minutes to be directed to a cubicle. In the wait line, the staff were really friendly and asked me how my day was going and what I had planned for later on, clearly to allay any nerves I might have.
Once inside, a nurse asked me a few questions and then administered my injection. I have to say, I’ve had many vaccinations over the years and this was probably the least painful – it was quick and nothing more than a little scratch.
So far, all good.
I was looking a little flushed after my vaccination, so to be sure, they asked me to wait for fifteen minutes after administering it, so I sat on some seats at the back of the venue and I was offered a cup of water. The staff talked to me and a doctor came to speak to me after ten minutes to ask how I was feeling. One of the staff then walked me out – they couldn’t have been more caring and my experience was extremely positive. To this point, the whole thing had taken less than thirty minutes!
I drove home and was fine for the rest of the day, if a little sleepy. Then midnight came and the chills started, followed by flu-like aches and pains. This lasted for around 24 hours, after which I was fine.
So, based on my experiences, here are a few tips:
– If you can, get someone to go to the venue with you so that they can drive you home afterwards, especially if you are not too good with needles.
– Stock up on Lemsip, tissues and easy to cook food. If you feel flu-like for a few days after the vaccination, you will not want to be leaving the house to go shopping.
– Get some ice in for the sore arm. It’s actually no worse than a Tetanus but sleeping on that side might be a little uncomfortable for a few days.
– You might be sleepy. Give in to it and sleep for a few days if you have to.
– Just in case, plan in some help for the kids – perhaps your partner can arrange to work from home or someone in your support bubble can help out? If you are working, let your boss know you’re due to have the vaccination so that cover can be planned in the event you need a few days off.
If your symptoms last for more than a few days, contact your GP or ring 111.
Of course, its everyone choice whether or not to get vaccinated, but for me, despite feeling a little under the weather for a few days, it was the right thing to do bearing in mind that I have many friends and work colleagues who are both older than me and some of whom have underlying health conditions.
So, would I have the vaccination knowing what I know now? Absolutely, yes! Let’s work together and have a happy and safe summer!