WATCH: Journos get the jab

On July 30, the South African National Editors Forum in partnership with the National Department of Health and the Government Communication and Information System sent out a media statement that journalists across the country could start registering to get their Covid-19 vaccinations.

On Wednesday, August 4 the Caxton Joburg West team responsible for the Krugersdorp News, Roodepoort Record, Roodepoort Northsider and Randfontein Herald arrived at the Dr Yusuf Dadoo Hospital en masse for their first dose of the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine.

Natasha Pretorius, Krugersdorp News journalist said, “It was quick and easy, and the staff were really, really friendly. I’m glad I went and I would recommend it and the Yusuf Dadoo staff.”

Alice Mpholo, Roodepoort Northsider journalist said, “It was fine and didn’t hurt. The process was easy and swift, and I’ll definitely recommend it to others.”

Michelle Swart, digital content creator for the four newspapers said, “Thank you to the staff of Yusuf Dadoo for welcoming us with open arms and huge smiles. It wasn’t as painful as you’d expect, and was over before I knew it.”

Thabisile Mgwali, Roodepoort Northsider journalist said, “It went smoother than I expected and didn’t hurt. It was over before I had the chance to have a look.”

Jaco Human, Krugersdorp News journalist said, “I was surprised that the vaccination centre was so quiet. We were expecting to queue for hours, but it barely took 15 minutes. The staff were friendly and took extra care to be gentle with the needle. I’d say, even if you have reservations, please consider getting the vaccine, even only if it’s to get this country back to normal sooner by reaching herd immunity.”

Clinton Botha, editor of the Krugersdorp News and Randfontein Herald said, “We really have to take our hats off to the staff at this government hospital. They were really professional. I will definitely recommend that others get the vaccine.”

The administrative staff first had to make sure that the journalists (some younger than 35) were eligible for the vaccination. Fortunately, everyone had gone through the registration process the week before and received confirmation.

A quick information session followed regarding what to expect. Everyone completed a form stating whether they’ve had Covid-19 in the past, or were in contact with someone who recently tested positive, along with a few other basic health questions.

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Nono Modau, Occupational Health and Safety Coordinator and vaccination site manager said, “We used to see about 300/ 380 people per day. Now because there are different centres, it has become better.”

Afterwards, Nono explained that post-vaccination side effects include slight numbness and soreness of the arm shortly after because the vaccine was injected into the muscles and not just the skin, and that it would be important to move the arm often and get the blood circulation going.

Secondly, one might experience some itchiness at the injection site. It’s very important to refrain from scratching because, she explained, “If you scratch, it can form an abscess, which is expensive to manage. So, your arm is your own responsibility.”

Thirdly, focusing on the body in general, “As you are building antibodies, you might feel the difference in your body, which is not comfortable. You will have fatigue, flu-like symptoms, sore throat, joint and body aches, fever and chills. That means that the antibodies are starting to build; the vaccine is working. That is exactly what you want. When you start to feel those aches you take two Panados if you’re over the age of 18. Allow your body to rest so that the paracetamol can work and your body can relax.”

Nono advised that on the day of getting vaccinated those who exercise regularly or go to the gym take it slowly or preferably take a break for the rest of the day. If you feel well the following morning, exercising can continue but, “Don’t be aggressive on your body. Take it easy. The best advice is: Today, rest this body.”

Furthermore, if taking any chronic medication it’s important to keep doing so. “You need to carry on taking care of yourself. Remember, that is your life.”

Lastly, Nono warned against consuming alcohol within the first 72 hours of receiving the vaccine.

At the moment, Covid-19 does not have a cure. We only have preventative measures; wearing your masks properly to cover your mouth and nose, social distancing and washing your hands.”

The journalists returned to work to write articles, conduct community interviews and do general admin. After about two hours, a few noted that they felt slightly light-headed, but in general everyone was fine.