Home wellness I got my COVID19 vaccine, and why You MUST Get It.

I got my COVID19 vaccine, and why You MUST Get It.

I felt relieved that I got my COVID19 vaccination.

As of this writing, the VIC State Government has announced its 7-day lockdown for the nth time.

From 11.59pm on Thursday (27th of May), the entire State of Victoria will go into a seven-day lockdown with only five essential reasons to leave home.

These reasons are work or education, caregiving, food and supplies, exercise for two hours, and get vaccinated.

I can’t remember how many times we had a circuit-break lockdown anymore, but I am certain that COVID19 virus is out there (even a split-second of opportunity) the chances that any one of us will get it.

Although most of the new cases recently are mostly in high-density places such as the CBD areas, I am still cautious about (accidentally) capturing the virus here in the regional areas.

When the VIC State finally launched the vaccine roll-out couple of weeks ago, we (together with my husband) are amongst Victorians who are wishing to get it early. At this stage of the vaccine rollout, anyone over the age of 50 can get the AstraZeneca vaccine through their GP or at one of Victoria's hubs.

My lovely 67year-old Grandma from Churchill, Victoria finally got her 1st AstraZeneca jab 4-days ago and even told us that the turn-up was unexpectedly low.

As we keep on monitoring the news both online newspapers and social media, we found an opportunity to get an AstraZeneca jab, even though we are not officially qualified.

I thought “… what the heck. I’ll take that chance!”

I want to be protected and my family, so why not.

For us, time is gold.

Last Tuesday 25th of May, we decided to book our appointment over the phone (dial 1800 675 398 Victoria coronavirus hotline) to get AstraZeneca jab the following day (we got lucky to get the earliest schedule around 9AM morning) at Traralgon Racecourse hub, a 50-min drive from Warragul. For many, it is quite a long drive however, it doesn’t matter for both of us.

What motivates us to take this vaccination?

After a week of many headlines decrying for the lack of volunteers, and lots of available AstraZeneca doses motivates us to get it done.

Winter started to kick-in earlier as expected so I chose this cute, crocheted jumper, ornated with pearl beads that I just finished creating for the past weekend. Underneath is a knitted turtleneck, sleeveless white top that I sourced from my favorite op shop Salvos along with that cute, sequined handbag.

I must look great for my first COVID vaccination! LOL.

After getting our coffee and pies from our favorite bakery in Yarragon, and enjoying the usual drive along Princes Highway, we arrived at the vaccination hub in Traralgon.

We were greeted with a burst of beautiful sunshine and strong wind that almost blew me away, but it is awesome.

After the staff confirmed our appointment and gave us our vaccination card along with a piece of paper stating what to expect during vaccination, my husband and I are excited to get this done.

Staffs and nurses on-site are extremely helpful.

But another luck happened.

One nurse approached us and ask if we are willing to take the Pfizer vaccine instead of AstraZeneca. Apparently, they got some Pfizer vaccine available, and of course, we said YES for Pfizer!

About the Comirnaty (Pfizer Australia Pty Ltd) vaccine.

This vaccine can prevent people from becoming ill from COVID-19. Comirnaty does not contain any live virus, and it cannot give you COVID-19. It contains the genetic code for an important part of the SARS-CoV-2 virus called the spike protein. After getting the vaccine, your body makes copies of the spike protein. Your immune system will learn to recognize and fight against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The genetic code is broken down quickly by the body.

What to expect after vaccination?

As with any vaccine, you may have some side effects after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.

Common side effects after Comirnaty vaccine includes;

•Pain or swelling at the injection area

•Tiredness

•Headache

•Muscle pain

•Fever and chills

•Joint pain

Less common side effects after Comirnaty vaccine includes;

•Redness at the injection site

•Nausea

•Enlarged lymph nodes

•Feeling unwell

•Pain in limb

•Insomnia

•Itching at the injection area

These side effects are usually mild and usually, go away within one or two days. Some recipients will experience more significant flu-like symptoms from this vaccination compared to other common vaccinations and may require time away from normal activities. These symptoms may occur after either dose but are more common after the second dose.

If you experience pain at the injection area or fever, headaches, or body aches after vaccination, you can take paracetamol or ibuprofen. These help to reduce some of the above symptoms. If there is swelling at the injection area, you can use a cold compress.

Rare side effects that have been reported after Comirnaty is:

•Severe allergic reaction (or anaphylaxis).

You can check more details at health.gov.au/covid19-vaccines

After my jab, we are directed to the waiting area and must sit there for the next 15mins in case we have some reactions after the jab. The same procedure just like when we had our annual flu vaccination three weeks ago. Aside from the usual pain and little swelling from the injection area (left arm), I haven’t experienced any side effects.

Maybe my immune system is tough enough to take this vaccine. I’m no pussy!

@blair.villanueva
##covidvaccine ##covid19 ##tiktokaustralia ##tiktoksg ##tiktokphilippines ##tiktok_ph ##pinayinaustralia ##australia ##tiktok_india ##tiktokbrasil
♬ original sound - Blair Villanueva

The COVID19 vaccines are now available in Australia but still, many Australians are skeptical.

The fear of the unknown and not taking chances (and relying on conspiracies and fake news) are not in my philosophy. I would not allow the anxiety to hit me just because of that fear.

But the reality is … every vaccine that has been approved has nearly 100 percent effective at preventing severe disease, hospitalization, and death.

That’s why I took this shot and enjoy a better everyday life knowing I am safe and protected and protecting my local community which I now call my second home.

As of this writing, it was reported that the Victoria coronavirus hotline crashes as many people are rushing to secure their appointments for vaccination.

My husband said that we are lucky to turn up early and volunteer to get the vaccine.

Vaccination will save lives and protect lives, and if you aren't vaccinated and you do catch COVID you could die. It is a no-brainer.

Prevention is waaayyy better than cure.

~~I can’t wait for our 2nd dose of vaccination~~. After all, it is FREE.

UPDATE: We've got our 2nd jab last June 25th!

@blair.villanueva
##covid19vaccine ##pfizervaccine ##australia ##pinayinaustralia ##australialife ##vaccinecovid19 ##tiktokaustralia ##pinay ##covidvaccine
♬ Wildest Dreams - Duomo

For more information about the vaccination, visit health.gov.au/covid19-vaccines .

*Editor's note: This is a #notsponsored post