I never wanted to be vaccinated against COVID ever, especially after hearing so much death news about it. I told myself to never get the vaccine unless it is proven safe. Well, guess what? I got my first dose today.
A few days ago, my sister's friend who works as a social worker here at our place told her that there would be another schedule for vaccines. Since I am a PWD (Person with Disabilities), her friend listed me as their top priority.
So yesterday, she called again to inform my sister about the schedule. I freaked out when I heard about it, especially when I realized I only got one day to think about it. I then told her I won't go, but she explained to me why I should. Since I was not convinced with her explanation, I made a noise post about it to hear what other noisers would have to say.
Some were against it, but the majority advised me to take it. They even explained the reasons why I should not be afraid about the vaccine, and here are the top 3 comments that helped me come up with my decision.
Yeah I understand your anxiety... think of it as a risk to reward, do you need to vaccinate?
As for hundreds of people who of died from the vaccination, probably a lot more have died in road accidents.. does that thought stop you from driving a car/motorcycle/bicycle or crossing the road?
On the small island, I live on 74% opted for the vaccination (3,200 people) a few felt a bit sick the next day.... but everyone has survived so far!
As me me... for my own personal reason I opted for the vaccine.
The vaccine will not prevent you from catching or passing on the virus, its only purpose is to lessen the effects, as in keep you out of hospital.
Taking it or not taking it... it's a personal thing.
I hope my outlook/thoughts have helped?
Free your mind from any negative thoughts. You have to weigh the percentage of those people who died from the vaccine and those who don't. Mostly those who died are the ones with complications and some have a chronic disease and get vax but they are well okay. You have to consider the situation now in the Philippines that Covid cases are rising daily and hospitals are full. Get vax so you have immunity. We have been vaccinated for 3 months now and we are fine. :)
Experts have said several times that the benefits that you'll get from the vaccine will outweigh the risk.
I understand your hesitancy at first especially if you have other illnesses.
I have not read or heard anyone who died solely because of the vaccine. But I read and heard millions have died because of COVID-19.
A few of my club fam gave their opinions about it. They also have shared their experience and told me what to avoid after getting the vaccine.
The reason why the sudden change of heart is my family. Yes, I rarely go out but that doesn't mean I'll be forever stuck in the house. Sooner or later, I will have to be vaccinated so why not do it now. Besides, if it's my time to die, then with or without vaccine, I will still die.
The big, scary day
I was woken up as early as 4 this morning, trying to finalize my decision on whether to get vaccinated or not. I also asked another friend @TengoLoTodo about it, and he said to go for it.
So I got up before 6. Took a bath early. Ate my breakfast that mom prepared. Fixed myself in the mirror and leave. Good thing my brother was here to drive us to the venue.
There were more or less 30 people already waiting when we get there. We waited for less than an hour. As soon as the social workers came, the scary part begins.
There are 7 stages to complete the process:
First stage: You need to verify if your name is on the list. Otherwise, you'll have to contact a social worker from your area to get listed.
Second stage: Next stop is where a social worker would explain to you what vaccine they are going to give, its side effects after the vaccine, and what to avoid.
Third stage: Next is when they check your BP.
Fourth stage: This is the time where you talk to a doctor. This is when the Q&A happens. This is also the best time to ask questions if you have some doubts in mind or other questions you need to ask.
Fifth stage: Here, you'll just have to get your card. Once you have it, you are now ready for the last 2 stages.
Sixth stage: The vaccination.
Seventh and the last stage: Here, you will be asked to just relax for 30 minutes. You are under observation to ensure that you are okay before they release you.
Since I am a PWD, I don't have to wait for hours to do all these. We came there before 7. Vaccinated before 9. Rested for 30 minutes. And home by 10.
Effects on my body
I was expecting for something else like slight fever, numbness, etc but I only felt sleepy after the vaccination. I was not even that tired but as soon as I got home, I ate my lunch, watched a movie, and took a nap.
When I woke up, we decided to have our dinner outside. Then went back home by 8. We watched 2 episodes of Still 17, another K-drama that my fam likes.
I'm still observing my body and so far, so good. Time check by the way is 11:11 and will soon sleep after I publish this. I'm already sleepy but just want to finish this one.
Closing thoughts
I want to thank everyone for sharing their opinions about this matter. I started to have panic attacks yesterday but with all your feedback, I somehow managed to calm down myself.
Now that I'm done with the 1st dose, I'll just have to wait for my next schedule. Not sure when will it be though.
I was also hesitant to have a dose of vaccine at first because of what I read and watched from the news. However I change my mind and gladly I did, because I got infected just yesterday. So I was thinking , if I wasn't vaccinated perhaps I was already in the hospital