Before I get into the actual topic of this post, I would like to clear up a few things:
I will not quit being a blogger.
Yes, I will periodically take hiatuses.
And yes, I’ll try(key word is try)to notify you before I take a hiatus so you can have a general idea of when to expect content to be put out.
Now that that’s out of the way, I’m sure you would like to know what I have been doing for the past four months that have been preventing me from posting any content.
Many of you probably have noticed the downward trend of posts since my “debut” as a blogger in early 2017. The amount of writing I was able to put out then was much more than I am able now, due to the increase in workload and all around “busy-ness” of my life as I continue to enter different stages in my educational career and life in general. So I apologize that I’m unable to put out as many posts as I was able to before. I will try my best to improve the consistency of my posts as time passes. And if I’ incapable of doing so, you will know the reason why.
As many of you are most likely aware, many countries across the globe have been able to develop or access vaccines for the COVID-19 virus. Vaccine distribution has been going on for quite some time in various countries across the globe. Some of these countries include the United States, Thailand, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Singapore, India, and many many more.
Of course, I have no authority to tell you to receive vaccinations or instruct you on your own health. That is solely the job of your doctor/physician, and I strongly encourage that you contact them if you are having doubts regarding the vaccine(s) available in your country.
Today’s post is only going to describe my experience while getting my COVID-19 vaccine doses and how my perspective.
⚠️Warning: ⚠️
My experience will not mirror what you may experience when receiving your vaccination, any symptoms mentioned are entirely mine so please do not take this as a sign that your symptoms will be similar. Symptoms will vary depending on each person.
By the time they had started determining which age groups could receive the vaccine, my birthday had already passed so I was eligible for the vaccination. So my dad was able to schedule vaccinations for himself, my mom, and me(my siblings haven’t reached the required age to get vaccinated yet as of now). By the time the day rolled around for me to get the vaccine, my parents and I had all the necessary paperwork and identification ready before my appointment.
It was a warm Saturday, the sun was shining and beamed down on the houses of our little street. My appointment was around 11:00 in the morning so my dad and I decided to leave the house thirty minutes earlier, since the vaccination location was a bit far off from my house. As I slipped on my shoes by the door, my mom handed me the documents I needed in order for the clinic to recognize my age and that I was registered for a vaccine. As I tucked those into my bag, I grabbed a water bottle and a face mask(tip: loop the strings twice before putting them on if you need a tighter fit)
The car ride to the vaccination site was quiet, my dad drove while I fidgeted with the documents in my purse and watched the scenery rush past. It was nice to actually be outside after so long and see a little bit of the community. I filmed the hills that rolled by, slowly, they transformed into little houses and buildings and people walked along the sidewalk. When we arrived though, we were met with a sea of concrete covered with motors.
The parking lot was packed, the owners of the cars most likely getting vaccinated or escorting someone who needed a ride there. Unfortunately for us, that meant we had to park farther away from the location and ended up parking the nearby hospital parking lot. This was a telltale sign that there was going to be quite a few people receiving their vaccinations as well.
The area designated for vaccinations was a large white tent attached to a clinic, and although there seemed to be a lot of people the line was moving much faster than I had expected.
When we entered, there was a hand sanitizer dispenser that we had to use before being greeted by a security guard who gave us a curt nod and greeting. I walked down the line, stepping on a large circle about the size of a dinner plate indicating that everyone should stay six feet apart. I made sure my feet stayed steadfast on these circles and measured a safe distance between myself and the people in front of me. Though I didn’t have to wait long to enter.
Just before I entered the building, I was greeted by two women sat on chairs to the left side of the entrance, gesturing towards the papers in my hand. They looked over the documents and asked for my first and last name, age, and birthday. After that, that handed the sheets back to me and I was allowed to enter the building.
Upon entering the building, I saw desks lined up all across the room in various directions, each desk had one person checking identification papers before letting them inside. A security guard stationed near the entryway pointed me towards an empty spot, I sat in the cubicle which had a large sheet of plexiglass separating either side. Save for a rectangular gap at the bottom that would allow the recipient to push documentation to the other side.
I was received by a kind women who took a look at my papers, confirmed my identity(and my father’s)before letting me into a separate room where vaccines were being distributed.
Upon entering the room, my first impression was how organized and efficient everything was. Patients were asked basic questions regarding their health as of late, prepped for the vaccine, given the dose, then they would be on their merry way.
A nurse gestured me towards an open seat and I gave her my paper. I took of my bag and handed to my dad, along with my wallet and phone. The nurse asked me questions about my personal health and medical history. As well as questions about how I had been feeling, if I was experiencing cold, cough, or any symptoms, and numerous other concerns. To which all of my answers were no. When everything was confirmed, the nurse reached for a fresh dose of the vaccine, sealed away in a pocket of clear plastic.
⚠️ Trigger Warning: ⚠️
The following text may be triggering for those who are disturbed by needles/penetration. Reader discretion is advised.
I took off my cardigan and rolled up the sleeve covering my left arm and allowed her to gently rubbed a little square of paper soaked with what I assumed was rubbing alcohol. Quickly, she grabbed the vaccine and ripped of the plastic with practiced ease before pressed the needle into my arm. Although unpleasant, the discomfort was short lived as she quickly pulled the needle out and a little dome of blood was exposed. Before I could acknowledge it, the nurse pressed a cotton swab onto it for a few seconds before putting a bandage in its place.
The kind nurse wave goodbye and I thanked her and bid her a good day before heading out to the vaccine waiting area.
After getting vaccinated, each recipient was required to stay on the vaccination sight for 15 minutes so the healthcare workers could monitor symptoms and see if anyone had a reaction to the vaccine and needed assistance.
The waiting area was a large tent similar to the one at the entrance, except this was much larger and had rows of chairs with healthcare workers circulating around the room monitoring patients. There were quite a few people seated and waiting, but the chairs were separated at a certain distance to ensure safety. I handed one of the workers my paper which had my identification on it before he led me to an empty chair and gave me a packet of papers.
I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, it felt odd to be in a room with a number of other people after isolating for so long with my family. Although everyone was donning masks and sitting at a safe distance I still felt uneasy with the sudden change in environment after being isolated for so long.
After the 15 minutes were over, we were free to leave the vaccination site. As we got into the car, my arm started getting a tad bit sore but other than that it seemed fine.
By the time we had gotten home, my arm was sore and I was tired from the ride. But I was feeling just fine and went about my day.
The experience stayed relatively the same when I was scheduled for my second dose of the vaccine six weeks later.
The reason I wrote this is because I want to raise a little more awareness about the situation at hand and the risk this poses to so many other people. I’m a small blogger but I believe that even a little bit can create some sort of impact. So please, for the sake of your health and those around you, get vaccinated as soon as the opportunity shows itself. No matter who you are and where you’re from, all of us are suffering in different ways and we need to be able to understand one another to make this.
I hope my experience has helped humanize the situation just a little bit, or provided some reassurance for you.
As always, please stay safe, healthy, and happy. And even if you aren’t feeling that way, it’s okay. Just know that there’s someone here who understands you.