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

COVID19 vaccination in Australia
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.

COVID19 vaccination in Australia

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.


COVID19 vaccination in Australia

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

COVID19 vaccination in Australia

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!





COVID19 vaccination in Australia

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. 

COVID19 vaccination in Australia

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!




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



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


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55 comments :

  1. Congratulations! I'm hesitant at first but I've recently decided to just go for it because that is the only way to combat COVID. We're just hoping that we get a schedule soon.

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    1. Any brand of vaccine is okay! Better have it than not at all.

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  2. based on the data we have vaccination is the only way forward and we all need to get it ASAP . kudos that you have got urself vaccinated

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    1. We decided to grab it while many still are hesitant. Then after couple of days, we had lockdown and everyone is panicking to have it. I hope that many countries will start distributing it and be more accessible to the mass communities.

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  3. I have not been vaccinated yet, in our country this vaccination is carried out in stages in terms of age and in terms of urgency, and only now has the possibility of vaccinating all other target groups been recently released.
    Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the vaccine. Honestly, I’m still very skeptical about efficiency at the moment, because of such different information.
    Friendly greeting,
    Nina

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    1. The vaccine roll-out here in Victoria is also by stage, but they give vaccination to those people who wants to volunteer to have it (instead of waiting for those qualifies recipients). We encourage here in Victoria to volunteer to get it, in order to protect our families and communities.

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  4. Nnnniiiiccceeeeee...and also, you are very lucky! Getting a jab is proving to be so much harder here in Uganda than ever before!

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  5. Hey cheers you got the vaccine. I got the vaccine 2 weeks back and I was among those lucky one's who hardly get any symptoms after getting the vaccination. Stay safe!

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    1. That's awesome! Now we are waiting for our 2nd dose.

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  6. We're all fully vaccinated here at our house. It's so nice to not have to worry about dying every time I go to the store.

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  7. I'm desperate for my family and myself to get our vaccine. We still don't have it readily available here in India.

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  8. Good for you you did it!!! My appointment is in two weeks and I can't wait.

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    Replies
    1. That's wonderful! This vaccine is similar to those flu vaccines.

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  9. So many opinions on whether to get the vaccine or not. My family has mixed views on it as well. My dad received the vaccine but my step mom didn't.

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    1. Those who got the vaccine will less likely to die of COVID than those who doesn't get the jab and contracted COVID. Like they say, it is a personal choice.

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  10. I've had both shots since January and I have not stopped encouraging others to get theirs, too! Any brand is good -- better to have protection than nothing at all. We can't get through this pandemic, otherwise.

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  11. My entire family has had the vaccine now. My daughter and I were both high risk so it was important to us to make that decision. Take care!

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    Replies
    1. COVID Vaccine for kids and teenagers are not yet available here in Australia, but there are only few cases that kids die of COVID. Mostly adults.

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  12. congrats! I got mine too and love the peace of mind it gives me for an extra protection against covid!

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  13. Congratulations! I just got my first Pfizer shot this week too! Eeeeee I'm so excited!!! Vaccines are so important and I applaud you for taking the time to outline your experience as well as the importance of these vaccines. You're awesome ^^

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    1. We all need it! Especially, I always travel and I want to be safe and protected. It is also my way to care for communities I visited.

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  14. Congratulations for getting vaccinated. I would love to but I have some health conditions that includes heart, thyroidism etc. I don't know what's in the vaccines so I wouldn't want to put my life on risk.

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    1. Contact your local GP for your health checkup so that they could recommend you on what to do for the vaccine.

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  15. I still have many hesitations getting vaccinated. For one, will my body take it without negative effects. Anyway, I am planning to get my doctor's clearance before taking the plunge.

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    1. Yup, visit your GP first. I don't have existing health issues, nor heart and liver problems that why I'm confident of having this vaccine.

      Don't take the vaccine when you got health issues.

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  16. You certainly did look adorable for your vaccine. I love the outfit.

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  17. I really want to get the vaccine but Japan is really slow at the moment. I don't think they have enough supply and then they also are doing in stages. It might be next year until I get my vaccine.

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    1. That's what I heard too from my brother (he lives in Osaka). He said that ageing group is the priority.

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  18. I loooooove your vaccination outfit and congratulations. I actually can't wait to get my vaccine and well, I'm kinda jealous of everyone who got theirs’ already. Huhuhuhuhu. Please hurry huhuhu

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    1. Aww thanks Christian! Pinaghandahan ko talaga ito!

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  19. You are so lucckkky! I long to be vaccinated but there's no schedule in my city yet for us. so sad. hopefully, it will be available soon...

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    1. Have patience, and stay healthy! Hope the schedule will arrive very soon.

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  20. Aw, good for you sis. This is very important and it's our defense against the virus. We're still waiting for ours.

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    1. Having a vaccination means if ever we got a chance that we contracted COVID, we will not get deadly sick and will only be sick just like a regular flu.

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  21. Glad that you're done on your vaccination. I'm waiting for my turn, but it turns out that I need to finish my doze of trastuzumab. So sad, I'm so excited pa naman..But furthermore, congrattttsss!!

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    1. Have patience, and wait under you finished your medication :)

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  22. Awesome that you had the Pfizer, while I got the Sinovac which was the only brand available last March for frontliners. But all brands has high efficacy rate on preventing Severe and Critical Covid case. Grab any chance whence the vaccine is available if it is already your turn.

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    Replies
    1. Brands doesn't matter. A COVID vaccine is still a vaccine that is effective.

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  23. Takot ako sa actual injection (yes, I have fear of needles) but I do want to get vaccinated because the only way that we can beat COVID is when we all get the vaccine.

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    Replies
    1. Idaan mo na lng sa chika! Hindi mo mapapansin na tapos na pala :)

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  24. Good Job for having yourself vaccinated! It's true that the best vaccine is the available one.

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  25. im anxious na nga kasi wala pa sa city ko pero sa iba meron na yung mga hindi a1-a3 group. gusto ko na din magpa vaccine. my mom and step dad already had theres. nun una skeptical sila dahil sa brand pero sabi nila any vaccine is better than none kaya nag pa vaccine na din sila. cant wait for mine and my husband's turn para matapos na ang pandemyang ito at bumalik na tayo sa dati. i hope'.

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    1. Yup, any brand basta approved ng government! Better be safe.

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  26. Wanted to have one too. Inaantay ko lang text ng LGU. This is the best way that we can protect myself and my loved ones too.

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  27. Great decision! I am still weighing the idea of getting vaccinated, but I think it's the only option that we can take to go back to normal.

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    1. You can weigh it, but don't wait too long. COVID-19 virus can attack anyone at any time.

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  28. That's great and it good that you are done. I'm still waiting on mine but some of my friends are already done.

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