I Got Vaccinated : Experience and Side Effects

Finally, I’m fully vaccinated! Yay!

Honestly, it took me some time and a lot of thinking for me to be able to say “I’m ready to be vaccinated”. You know, I am one of those people who got afraid of having a vaccine because of the dark side effect stories I heard, read, and seen. We value our life so much so it was hard to take risks. Plus, I have this in mind that if I were to get a vaccine, it has to be Pfizer or none at all. Although, we cannot choose our vaccine and we have to get whatever is available on the day of the scheduled vaccination.

First Dose of Vaccine

June 5, 2021. It was around sunset when we received an announcement that we can already register for the vaccine. Being the scaredy-cat that I am, I let my cousin register first and I waited for the weekday to come for me to be able to register.

Weekday came, and my other cousins keep on convincing me to register since they will register themselves so we can get vaccinated on the same day. As if the world was on my side, I got a lot of work during that day of registration and I had to disregard incoming notifications on my phone. Yaass! You got it right, they registered first and I’m still hesitant. It was hard to be enthusiastic when you’re not ready. As time pass by during that day, the number of vaccine registrants kept on climbing up alongside the cases that push me to register. Out of a whim, I register, for me to get over and done with it already.

Normally, you just wait weeks on your schedule after registering right? But, as for my case, I didn’t have to. I woke up the next day with a notice that I am already scheduled for the vaccine at 1 pm of that day. I don’t know why it was so fast. I just assume that maybe because I was in the a4 category, and my work was really essential that I face a lot of people every day so I was scheduled right away. The funny thing was, I had the earliest vaccine schedule than my cousins, and to think that I registered later than them.

I was not ready. I occupied myself with work as a diversion as I wait for my vaccine schedule. Later that afternoon, we were picked up by the company’s bus to drive us to the vaccination site.

The Process:

1. We fall in line at the entrance hall upon arrival and got our temperature checked before we go inside the hall.
2. Inside, we were given a vaccination card and a health consent form to fill out.
3. After filling out the forms, we went to the doctor for a vital stats check-up.
4. Then, we proceeded with the screening where we were asked about our medical history.
5. After that, we went straight to the vaccination area. We signed up 3 vaccination tracking papers (it’s like the normal attendance sheet we have in school) then the assigned medical frontliner gave us a vaccine. I had no one to take pictures of me so I requested assistance from the assisting staff.
6. After the vaccine, we were asked to proceed to the resting area and have a 15-minute rest.
7. Once we have rested, we were led to the post-vaccine screening area where our blood pressure and oxygen were checked. Simultaneously, the medical frontliner gave an announcement on the side effects of the vaccine, and the home care we can do when we experience it while handing out paracetamol.
8. After the post-screening, we proceeded to the registration area where our vaccination details as well our signatures were digitally registered.
9. Then, for the last step, we were asked to answer a vaccination survey. And Done!
10. Optional. You may opt to have your picture taken on the vaccination photo booth or not!

What do you need to bring during your vaccination schedule?

For you to have a smooth and safe vaccination, we advise you to bring the following items on the day of your vaccination schedule.

1. Identification Cards. Any of these IDs: Philhealth, Tin, Company, Makatizen (if you are from Makati or if you work in Makati), and Senior ID (if you are a senior citizen). One of the IDs will be presented to the registration area to confirm your name and schedule. You will also write the ID numbers on the vaccination consent form. So, to avoid the hassle, just bring those IDs.
2. Ballpen. You will fill out forms as part of the vaccination process. To avoid getting any bacteria from the pens on-site, it is best to bring your own.
3. Alcohol. Sanitize! Sanitize! Sanitize! It is better to sanitize after filling out forms and transferring from one process to another. You are allowed to spray your hands as you wish for your own safety!
4. Face shield. In the Philippines, everyone is required to wear a face shield as second protection apart from the face mask you are wearing. While I know that it’s already given, some people usually remove it when they are wearing it in their workplace or private cars, that they forget it sometimes. (Based on experience, I always forget it). So make sure that you bring it with you as you go to the vaccination site.
5. Portable Electric Fan. Depending on the vaccination site, some have aircon, while some don’t. It is important that you are well ventilated as you wait for your turn to avoid heatstroke and other related diseases.
6. Umbrella. The weather has been unpredictable lately. It is better that you bring your umbrella to keep you ready in case of rain or heat.
7. Cellphone. Make yourselves productive while you are waiting in line with your phone. Answer those emails, chat with friends, watch an episode of your favorite shows, and check social media sites. It can help you get distracted and calm your nerves from nervousness (a.k.a pampababa ng Blood Pressure. Lol). Although, others bring books with them instead (it varies per person).
8. Phone Chargers (Powerbank, chord). This is only in case that you leave the house without enough phone battery. It’s better to be ready than sorry, right?
9. Food and Drinks. I don’t really advise you to remove your mask at the vaccination site to eat and drink but in case you can’t help it, find an area with fewer people before you eat or drink. If you are in a private car better eat or drink there before or after you get your vaccine.
10. Medical Certificates or Prescriptions. If you are one of those people who have a comorbidity, it is a must that you bring all your medical certificates and prescriptions issued by your doctor. This will be shown to the medical frontliner as they screen you to whether you will be allowed to be vaccinated or not.
11. Vaccination Cards (for 2nd dose). For those who have taken their 1st dose already, please make sure that you bring your vaccination card as you take your 2nd dose as it will be checked on the vaccination site.

NOTE: Please wear comfortable clothes on the day of your vaccination. Mas okay if maluwag yung suot niyo especially sa sleeves part para madali itaas for vaccine.

1st Dose Side Effects: My left arm where I got vaccinated hurt a bit and it felt heavy. I also experienced reflux. I feel like vomiting within 48 hours after vaccination (but I didn’t vomit, it’s just the feeling). I’m not really sure if it was because I am really nervous since I’m not prepared physically, mentally, and emotionally for getting my vaccine. You know it happened so fast that I didn’t have time to process it or because I already have reflux prior to vaccination. I think that’s the only side effects I’ve felt. After that, I’ve felt better already.

The whole vaccination process was really fast. It was well organized and everyone followed the health protocols which was good! Kudos to the City Government of Makati for a job well done! I also got a surprise appreciation food from my supervisor right after. (parang bata eh no? Reward after vaccination).

Second Dose of Vaccine

I was scheduled at a different vaccination site for my 2nd dose of vaccine. This time, I am ready physically, mentally, and emotionally so I am not nervous nor afraid even though I went there alone. The process was the same, the only difference was that we transferred from rooms per step and there was a staff specifically assigned for the photobooth. Woohoo! (Kitang kita naman di ako haggard dito compare sa 1st dose picture ko. Lol).

2nd Dose Side Effects: Just like last time I experienced heaviness on my left arm where I got my vaccine shot. It was also a bit painful and I’ve felt a little feverish after my vaccine which was normal. Although, I didn’t experience reflux this time. But I’m good after. The side effects only lasted within a day or two.

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I am happy that finally, I have protection against the virus. While it is not 100% protection, at least I have the first level of protection.  Accompanied by me following the health and safety protocols issued by the experts.

I encouraged you all to get your vaccine when you can. Register to your respective LGUs because we don’t know when this pandemic will end and it’s best that we have at least protection. Do not be afraid. Research the facts and understand the data for it is with a thorough understanding that we are able to make up our mind of whether we get the vaccine or not.

I hope you stay safe! 🙂