Health workers tell of Covid-19 vaccine experience

Please take the vaccine to help us achieve herd immunity and get our lives back to normal, local health care workers implored Tshwane residents this week.

Their call comes as the government plans to kick-start phase two of its Covid-19 vaccine rollout mid-May.

On Sunday, about 325 250 doses of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine arrived at OR Tambo airport.

The Gauteng Department of Health has started registering the elderly for the Covid-19 vaccine at some of the Pretoria old age homes for the second phase.
The health department expected the roll-out to the vulnerable group of people over 60 years of age was expected to start on 17 May. According to them, about 16.6-million people were targeted to receive the vaccine.

Phase 2 throughout South Africa will include 2.5-million essential workers, 1.1-million persons in congregate settings (such as prisons), 5-million people older than 60 and 8-million people older than 18 with co-morbidities.

Pretoria health workers who have received the Covid-19 vaccine told of experiencing only a mild body ache, headache and muscle pain on the first two days after the vaccine – with no other side effects.

Having received his Johnson & Johnson jab on 27 February, Best Care ambulances advanced life support paramedic Xander Loubser experienced mild side effects only on the first day. Weeks after receiving the vaccine, he has not had any adverse side effects.

“I felt a slight headache and body aches only on the first day of receiving the vaccine, which was expected because this was discussed with me prior to receiving the vaccine.”

Having worked at the intensive care unit with Covid-19 patients, Loubser said he felt much safer being on the front line after having received the vaccine.

“Having completed the 21 days timeline needed for more or less for the body to build immunity against the virus, I feel safe. I am aware that even though there are chances I might still contract the virus, I know I am 100% protected against death caused by the infection and the effects thereof will be much less now that I have received the vaccine.”

Loubser described the vaccine for health workers as “another weapon in the pocket” adding to the personal protective wear (PPEs).

While the population at large has not yet received the vaccine, he said health workers would continue wearing PPEs.

“I am protected but other people, my family, have not yet received the vaccine and I need to still be cautious as I can still be a carrier.”

Loubser said during the second wave paramedics sat outside hospitals for a long time with patients on depleting oxygen made him realise getting many vaccinated in the fight against the virus was important.

For those who would like to take the vaccine, Loubser encouraged the public to research the vaccines for more knowledge to make an informed decision.

“I took the vaccine because I found the benefits far outweigh any disadvantages. It was a step in the right direction that we may get herd immunity against the virus.”

Xander urged the public not to spread fake news such as people who have taken the vaccine having “turned into zombies”.

“People are not taking the vaccine because of fear and mistrust. I suggest people make informed decisions, consult your doctor or someone you trust on questions around what one does not understand about the vaccine.”

Nikita Viviers, a 26-year-old student studying medicine (MBChB) at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, made the same call for the public to make informed decisions about the vaccine while there was scepticism around it.

She received her vaccine on 16 March and accounted to having had some moderate side effects after the vaccine.

“I received the vaccine at about 13:00 on the 16th. I felt fine the whole afternoon and went to class after getting my vaccination. The same evening at about 20:00 I started getting a headache and low-grade fever.

“The headache persisted for a few hours, but I already felt better the next morning. I did, however, experience some body aches and tiredness throughout the evening and next day. By 18 March, I was completely back to normal. Most of my fellow students who also got the vaccine had more or less the same experience.”

Viviers said she took the vaccine as an effort to strive towards a Covid-safe society.

“For this to happen we need to achieve herd immunity. As the first in line to get the vaccine I also feel it is also our responsibility to get the vaccine to show others that the experience is worth it,” she said.

“I know many people are sceptical about the vaccine, but I would really urge everyone to get it. I have been through the process and although it was uncomfortable for a day or two, it really wasn’t that bad.”

Dr Rochelle Lee, who received her vaccine at the end of February, said she had mild discomfort afterwards for two days which were well managed with paracetamol.

“The next day I was a bit tired around 18:00. I had some muscle pain and fatigue. I went to bed after taking some paracetamol and the day after that I felt perfectly fine.”

She said working with Covid patients since the pandemic started she took the vaccine having seen how sick some patients got.

“I didn’t want to suffer or be the cause of anyone going through this if I infect someone unknowingly. I wanted to be a part of the solution and keep my loved ones, and any close contact I might have with a patient, safe.”

Lee, by taking the vaccine, said she hoped she would contribute in controlling the pandemic.

“If you are keen on getting the vaccine, do it. It is a small sacrifice for a much bigger cause. We can only make a change regarding herd immunity if we all stand together and do our part. Covid-19 has taken much from many patients and their families. It is in our hands to make a difference and lessen the impact and burden of the virus in our homes, workplaces, social life and financially. We can make a big change with a little sacrifice.”

For weeks, the Covid-19 rollout in South Africa was halted due to six cases out of millions of blood clots reported in America surfaced. Last week, the government resumed with Covid-19 roll-out to try and fast-track vaccination of thousands of health workers.

* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news

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