So I got my first shot of Pfizer-BioNTech this morning.
Why? It's better than nothing; my age group is affected; it will make travelling easier; but maybe most of all, I don't want the people who love me to get hurt.
As usual, the process was smooth because the government have too much money so they can haul ass and have everything not only in place, but without any hitches. I got to the sports centre and they let me in about 30 minutes earlier than my appointment, which was nice. It was the first time I've been inside a sports centre here and it was a bit surreal: huge, with nets and a basketball hoop that can be lowered, but of course not in this instance. We have to scan the QR code or write down our details in the event we need to be contacted if there's a covid cluster. There's a chance to use hand sanitizer. Then the registration officers dressed in green waist coats or white shirts check we have the SMS message for our appointment and check our identity before giving us a folder of information.
Then we actually enter the centre itself and are directed to sit down. A large part of the centre is taken up by chairs, some for waiting to be injected, some for resting for 15 minutes, others for 30 minutes. While we wait to get jabbed, we have to read the leaflet about the vaccine and then sign it. We're then told to go to one of the cubicles where details are checked, the signed leaflet is taken and questions asked by a nurse. I haven't had an injection since 2017, but it definitely felt like the needle was inserted for longer than other ones I've had, like the vaccine had a long way to go or either there's a lot to go into the human body. The nurse prints out my vaccination record: it is this that can be used when I travel and there is a QR code on it too.
The nurse then writes on the folder the time I can leave the centre and I sit down to rest for 15 minutes. When the large digital clock corresponds to the time on the folder, I leave, but have to stop. The time on the folder is checked, I am given a pack of disposable masks (which I likely won't use) and a sticker.
As for the injection site, I made sure the shot was injected in my non-dominant upper arm. It's just a bit sore and no noticeable side effects. When I took the plaster off, I was surprised there was blood: I've never had blood from an injection before I think.
We'll see in 48-72 hours if I have any side effects, which is actually a reaction to the vaccine and positive because it means my body is defending itself. I'm in the category to experience side effects more than any other category. Apparently the second dose can have side effects or more side effects than the first, if you have them.
Do I feel guilty? No.
Do I have reason to be? Yes.
Inequality is everywhere and for all issues: race, sex, income, sexuality, education, wealth etc.
Covid has shown us, more than ever how selfishness, money, sex has contained or not, covid-19. The government here lets us choose between two vaccines. They have too much money and bought double the amount of the population. The most vulnerable could get vaccinated first. Then in April or May or maybe June, everyone else could get it. Not the young. When they felt comfortable, 12 year olds and up could get Pfizer-BioNTech. Unlike NZ, there was no supply nor manpower issue. At some point recently, 'older' people could just walk in. Online, you only had to book your second dose at the same time as the first and even then you can cancel or change the second appointment for Pfizer-BioNTech.
Yes, I am lucky. Yes it is unfair. But the government here has too much money, made the decision to buy double the amount needed, to open the vaccine programme to the general population. I do not control those factors.
I only control if I get vaccinated or not.
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A.M.
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