I am finally vaccinated against COVID-19!
I had been hesitating on the decision to take my vaccination. But was convinced by EA that it helps to minimise the impact if I really get infected by COVID. This means that I will less likely to end up in ICU and ‘be a burden’ to those around me and the healthcare worker. Of course, none of the cases would be expected or liked to end up in ICU. But since I have a choice, why not set it right? Especially since my workplace is so near to Changi Airport, and we frequent there for lunch, it’s best that I empower myself with the layer of protection.
After register for interest for almost a month, I finally received the SMS from MOH to set the appointments for my vaccinations. Based on positive feedback, and availability, I opted to go to Raffles City Convention Centre.
My first dose
I had my first dose on 29th April. There’s quite a lot of people going there as well, but everything was orderly and well-organised.
There are quite a few registration counters, so the first queue is decently fast. The registration personnel asked me a few questions to verify my identity and health condition, before moving on to the next queue. There is almost a ballroom of medical personnel administrating the vaccination, I got my shot in less than 5 minutes. It’s really not too painful, like an ant bite as the medical personnel described. After which, another personnel redirects me to the resting area to rest for 30 minutes and monitor for any severe side effects.
Short side story: The medical personnel gave me a quick briefing (less than 15 seconds?) on what I can expect after the vaccination, ended the last statement as “You cannot drink alcohol within 24hrs”. The next moment, she asked, “Are you ok with alcohol?”. I was disgesting which alcohol she was referring to before I saw her taking the alcohol swab pack. Opps!
After the first dose
I went back to work immediately after the vaccination. For the rest of the day, I had a sore arm and feeling fatigued. I drank a lot of water at night and slept early at night. The next day, lucky me only experienced a sore arm.
My second dose
I had my second dose on 21st May. Instead of having the assembly arrangement queue, for registration, we are asked to queue in a single file snake queue.
Unfortunately due to my possible exposure during lunchtime on 3rd May and 10 May, I was asked to wait aside. Guess I was eventually able to proceed with my registration since my swab result is possible after around 3-5 minutes wait.
After registration, I was asked to wait at one corner AGAIN (I named it the naughty corner). After another 3-5 minutes, a staff finally marshal me in. The medical personnel does not allow me to take photos of the vaccination administrating. He claimed “it’s a new rule” even though I saw others posting their photos the night before. After the vaccination, I was marshal to a separate waiting area for observation, reckon it’s because of the possible exposure.
Short side story: I was complaining to Kpo Kia Papa about the extra wait due to the possible exposure, and saying that the extra wait did not change anything. He laughed and joked that maybe they hope I can sneeze or cough during the wait so they can send me to swab instead. =.=”
After the second dose
I went back home to work after the vaccination. For the rest of the day, I had a sore arm and feeling fatigued. I tried to drink more water but did not sleep early at night as Kpo Kia was fussing. Throughout the night, I didn’t sleep well. I had a mild fever when I woke up in the morning, but feeling better after some rest. By afternoon, I can get back to work as usual, although the sore arm and fatigue last through the day. Second day after the vaccination, I am left with a sore arm. Although I feel irritated as it interfere with my daily movement a bit, I am blessed that I had not suffered major side effects for now.
Heard that taking the vaccination could affect our menstruation cycle. I will update here again if it really affects mine~
[Updates]
I know some people have questions/confusion regarding the vaccination, in fact, I was one of them. After some research, these are the common questions I have consolidated
Frequently asked questions
- Q: Can I proceed to take the vaccination if I am planning to start/expand my family?
A: Yes. But since it’s proven to be safe for pregnant ladies, better take the injection just after your menses. If I am the lady, I will probably wait for another 1 or 2 months before I continue my plan. You know, just Kiasi (Singlish term : scare of dying). - Q: Can I take a vaccination if I have allergies?
A: Do let a doctor assess and make the decision yourself. There’s no guarantee that taking the vaccination will trigger your allergy and cause a bad impact on you. There is also no guarantee that one will definitely land with severe symptoms when infected by COVID. Anyone can give you suggestion, but no one can be responsible for your life and which risk you would like to take on. - Q: Which vaccination did you take? Why?
A: I took Pfizer because PM Lee dares to take it ~ Just kidding! I thought it is one of the thoroughly tested vaccination to date. But any vaccination is better than no vaccination. Generally, the Singapore government is also very Kiasi. They usually choose to play safe if they can help. So all approved and rolled out vaccination should be fine. - Q: Can I donate blood after taking the vaccination?
A: Yes. I had checked the Health Science Authority website and it stated so as of 10th May 2021. To be safe, you can donate blood 4 weeks after vaccination or 4 weeks from the time the side effects have resolved (whichever is longer). - Q: Do you still need to put on a mask after the vaccination?
A: Definitely! I am not proud to announce that Singapore had many cases that one got infected even after fully vaccinated. Apparently, it only helps to reduce the possibility of landing in severe conditions, hopefully reducing the need for extensive medical care. To reduce the chance of getting infected, the best solution is still staying at home. Shall you need to leave your house, put on a mask, minimised conversation, and physical contact with basically anything/anyone.
