When was the last time you got a jab? Probably ages ago, if you’re being honest. However, with Covid-19 about, it’s more important than ever than we get vaccinated.
Of course, we’d all like to know what we’re walking into. Getting vaccinated can be a scary experience and it helps if we know what to expect. To give you a little insight, here are some testimonies from people who got the AstraZeneca jab yesterday (5th May).
Sharmine Ishak
Twitter user Sharmine Ishak very kindly narrated his whole experience of getting his jab. He even included details about the forms you should expect! Upon arrival, Sharmine said you should have two copies of the consent form. It’s double sided, so make sure to look at both sides. Fill it, but don’t sign it yet as according to Sharmine, you’ll need to do that in the presence of a witness (a doctor).
After a bit of waiting, you’ll go through two checkpoints. Checkpoint one will examine your MySejahtera check in, your temperature, and your IC. If you’re a foreigner or an expat, make sure you have your passport with you. Your IC/passport will be required the whole way, so just have it on hand. Checkpoint two will verify the date and time of your vaccination appointment. You’ll also be asked a few general Covid safety questions such as if you’re been out of the country, or contracted Covid, or been in close contact.
Once you’ve passed the checkpoints, a doctor will review your consent form and scan the QR code. You’ll finish by signing the form here, with the doctor as your witness. Sharmine mentioned he had pre-signed his earlier, but it was still accepted as the doctor only had to sign their part. There will be a second check with another doctor, this time for health reasons. The doctor will check for allergies and injuries, so don’t be afraid to be honest! For ladies, they’ll just check if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding etc. After they’ve vetted you thoroughly, it’s time for the jab.
According to Sharmine, the jab isn’t anything special. “It’s a normal jab,” he said. “No abnormal pain, no cold or burning sensation, just a little ant bite and it was over in seconds.” If you’d like to take a selfie while doing it, make sure to ask the nurse first. While Sharmine was allowed, he did mention he isn’t sure about the protocols on photos. After the jab, make sure to hand in your consent form and scan the vaccine QR to update your MySejahtera.
Jason Wee
We’re not sure how long it took Sharmine to get his jab, but Twitter user Jason Wee took about 18 minutes to complete the whole process and reach the observation stage. Normally, the observation stage should take 30 minutes, however, Jason mentioned it will only take 15 minutes if you’re low risk. Once you’re done, you’ll get your vaccination card! You’ll also be informed about your next appointment via your MySejahtera app, so make sure to check it.
3. Terry
Twitter user Terry was pleased to report that the whole vaccination process took him exactly 45 minutes. And, as evidenced by Sharmine and Jason, you’ll be able to wait comfortably for your jab, while keeping to the SOPs. “Everything was so fast once you got inside,” Terry marveled.
As for side effects, that differs from person to person. Jason reported feeling no side effects, which is what we all hope for, but Sharmine mentioned his arm felt sore. That is normal after a jab, however, if you do run into anything strange, there’s a link in MySejahtera for you to report your symptoms.
https://twitter.com/terry_ibs/status/1390126177562468352
Waking up 24 hours post-vaccine: feeling like a bad hangover 👀 https://t.co/o5mWli5zfQ
— Jason Wee (@jasonweecw) May 6, 2021
May 6, 8am: No other observable side effects yet except that my arm is still sore. Tried not to sleep on my left aside throughout the night.
No chills or fever. A friend yesterday who was vaccinated around the same time yesterday had these symptoms around 12-1AM. None for me.
— SHARMINE ISHAK (@SharmineIshak) May 6, 2021
So, that’s it folks! We hope their experiences have helped to ease any misgivings about the vaccination. If you haven’t signed up yet, make sure you do so soon. Stay safe!
