At this time, there are now several Covid-19 vaccines available, made by different companies from around the world. Each one works differently so that means the vaccine side effects also. Hubby had the Astra Zeneca shot here in Bacolod City, under the efforts of Brgy. Villamonte. Here are the things we did for our Covid-19 vaccine aftercare, including the side effects we felt.

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Why We Chose to Have the Covid-19 Vaccine (Astra Zeneca)

There had been so many controversies, arguments, and debates from opposing camps about the Covid-19 vaccines available. From conspiracy theories to health risks and fake news, the public was thrown into so much confusion. Despite the availability of different vaccines that are being given for free by the government, people have decided to wait it out.

I personally respect that. It really depends upon the person. I even know of couples where one had the vaccine and the spouse didn’t. That’s fine.

But why did we choose to have our jabs? My husband had been diligently following news about the important issues in our society. He doesn’t end with reading titles, instead, he reads entire articles from reliable news sources and tries to understand concepts. If he doesn’t understand something, he asks from those who are well-informed.

Personal Preference

At first, hubby said that he prefers Sinovac because, despite the lesser percentage of efficacy, it has less reported side effects. However, Bacolod City ran out of the Sinovac vaccines from China. Instead, what we have right now is Astra Zeneca, which are reported to have more reactions. So we took it and just prepared our minds and bodies.

Hubby says that he has chosen to be vaccinated because he wants to help our society develop herd immunity against Covid-19. When we have achieved that stage, then we can go back to our normal lives.

• Related: How to Prepare Your Kids for the New Normal

My reason is less magnanimous than my hubby’s logic, but I guess it has a more practical application. While I am perfectly happy with staying safe at home because of my personality, I don’t want to turn down travel opportunities related to work. I know that eventually, traveling without your vaccine record will really become a problem. So I would rather be prepared.

I respect those who do not want to get vaccinated, but I do hope I do not get ostracized for my choice. This is my body and therefore, my choice to protect it. When push comes to shove, whatever expenses will come from my pocket anyway.

Will We Not Get Sick Anymore Because We Are Vaccinated?

Hubby and I both understand that being vaccinated doesn’t mean that we will never get infected anymore. Honestly, I do not plan to change my lifestyle anytime soon.

For one, we will need our second dose and it will take time for us to develop the necessary antibodies against Covid-19. We will still wear our face masks and face shields when we go out and maintain our handwashing and disinfecting practices.

But the vaccine is a preparation that in case infection happens, the symptoms would be manageable.

Preparations We Did Before the Vaccine

We were already informed of our vaccination schedule, which is May 17. Prior to that, hubby and I religiously took our supplements. We also rested well the day before.

In order to get to the vaccination center early, around 8am, we tried to sleep early the night before. No K-Drama binge for us. But when we got there before 8am, the gym was already overflowing with people so we decided to come back in the afternoon.

Instead, we went home and slept some more. When we went back around 2pm, only a few people were left in queue. Hubby was able to have his vaccine in about 20 minutes. He was just monitored for 30 minutes afterwards, in case of adverse reactions.  

Meanwhile, they had to monitor my blood pressure because it was quite elevated. They let me rest for like 10 minutes before I was actually cleared to have the vaccine. Though I have maintenance medication, it was really hot that afternoon, which probably explains the spike in my blood pressure.

The vaccination itself is very fast and thanks to the experience of the nurse, it was painless. 

Vaccine Side Effects

People have experienced different vaccine side effects. Some have experience fever and chills, while others body malaise, and exhaustion. While we did not have fever, hubby and I felt a bit nauseated at one time.

And since I have a very low pain threshold, I experienced joint pains, especially on my fingers, and also back pains. But nothing that painkillers couldn’t handle.

On day 3, hubby was already fine but I had further vaccine reactions. I thought I was already fine when I woke up only to find out that there’s pain and slight swelling on my left armpit–the same side where I got my jab. My doctor-friend said that it’s natural, so I just continued with my painkillers. I also read that the swelling of the lymph nodes is actually a good sign that my immune system is kicking off.

It’s Day 4 today and the vaccine reactions are wearing off already.

Covid-19 Vaccine Aftercare

With all our knowledge about the Astra Zeneca vaccine, hubby and I prepared ourselves. And we have decided to rest for at least 2 days so as not to bring so much stress to the body as it adjusts to the vaccine. I think this is applicable even if you get vaccinated with a different brand.

Hydrate. Right after the Astra Zeneca shot, we drank a lot of water to hydrate. We continued to do so the days after because actually, we felt so thirsty.

No diet. The vaccine made me feel hunger pangs for 2 days, like really hungry. But eating a complete meal did the trick. So that means, no diet. Despite that, I lost a kilogram in 3 days. haha

Rest. Right after the shot, we went straight home and stay in our room with the air conditioning on. I fell asleep but hubby didn’t. But at least, we just rested.

Ice pack. I remember that when our kids were vaccinated when they were babies, I applied an ice pack as a cold compress on the jab site. This prevented swelling and pain. That same ice pack that I used on our eldest is still working until today and is the best P80 I have ever spent on.

Painkillers. Hubby didn’t take painkillers because he didn’t need them. But I did. So I just took them, albeit sparingly (not every 6 hours). Otherwise, I would feel sicker longer if I was in pain.

Supplements. We maintained our supplements, especially B-Vitamins for the nerves and also Vitamin-C.

With the Covid-19 vaccine, we hope that in a year, we will be able to have more mobility in our communities. We also hope that herd immunity will happen very soon. God bless the world! Stay safe, everyone!