My COVID-19 Vaccination Experience as a Healthcare Worker in Australia
Age: 25 years old.
Occupation: Medical student.
Vaccine received: Pfizer.
Pre-existing conditions: Endometriosis; hemiplegic migraines; anxiety. (I include this as I know many individuals with chronic health conditions are concerned about how they will react to a COVID-19 vaccination).
I wasn’t feeling too crash hot the day of — I was in ED the night before getting unexplained chest pain checked out, so I was running on very little sleep and a lot of stress. But I technically wasn’t sick, and ticked all the boxes to get vaccinated.
Location: A vaccination centre at a major hospital in Sydney, Australia.
Booking: As a “category 1a” worker (whether this status is deserved or not), I didn’t have to apply or make a booking. I was emailed by my university with a date and time; filled out a form with personal details and medical history; then showed up on the day of.
The experience: Everything was incredibly well organised. Staff in easy-to-spot pink vests gave directions near all the hospital entrances, and we queued up 1.5 metres apart in a tent outside the hospital entrance as our details were checked.
We went through several checkpoints and health screenings before going in to receive the vaccine.
The shot was administered by a registered nurse, and records were entered by an assisting administration worker. The vaccination area was supervised by a doctor, who I spoke to about my pre-existing conditions and other (unrelated) vaccinations before I was approved to receive my dose.
After the vaccination, I was directed to sit in an observation area for 15 minutes. If anyone experienced a reaction, they were taken to a separate 30 minute waiting area for additional observation. These individuals will receive additional screening and monitoring when returning for their second dose.
Before exiting the building, my records were checked, and I was informed that an SMS message would be sent to confirm my booster shot appointment in 3 weeks time. I was also given information on how to access my vaccination records online.
Did it hurt?
No! I felt a tiny pinch, just like with any other vaccine. It was exactly what I would have expected. I felt fine in my 15 minute observation time, and could go home on public transport.
Another doctor receiving his vaccine commented that it hurt, and felt cold as it was being administered. (The Pfizer vaccine is stored at ultra-low temperatures before being brought up to room temperature for injection — perhaps his dose had spent less time out of the fridge?)
Should you get it?
I cannot guarantee that everyone will have the same five-star experience I have had. Unlike tertiary hospitals in major capital cities, like the one where I was vaccinated, local GPs simply do not have the resources, staff, or floor space to set up world class vaccination centres. And while I have not experienced any short term side effects, I cannot guarantee the same for anyone else. (Update: one day later, I do have some soreness in my arm. This is very common, and the nurse did recommend I move my arm around as much as possible in the next few days).
Despite this, I strongly urge everyone who is able to be vaccinated as soon as practically possible. Check your eligibility, and when your turn comes, book in with your local GP or clinic. Be patient if there are administrative problems, or if you have questions that can’t be answered right away. Our health system is in the midst of the most complex logistical rollout of our generation, and has performed admirably within a very tight timeframe. Healthcare workers need your patience and understanding, and they really are doing the best they can.
While no vaccine is 100% effective, your immunisation will drastically reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 — a disease which is highly infectious, can cause long term debilitating effects, and has been fatal to over one million people worldwide. Your vaccine also contributes to our herd immunity as a community, protecting those who cannot be vaccinated due to their age or medical history.
I am in awe of the fact that at this moment, messenger RNA is entering my cells, teaching them how to replicate the spike protein of the COVID-19 virus, and then training my immune system to recognise and attack it. This is an astounding, life saving gift, and I am truly grateful to receive it.
