Fully Vaccinated: My Experience with the Covid-19 Jab

After months of research and inquiries as to what Covid-19 vaccine type was available and wanted to take in Buea, South West Region of Cameroon, I am happy to report that I am now fully vaccinated. From my inquiries, I found out that there were two types of the Covid-19 vaccine available; AstraZeneca and Sinopharm. We had a choice of choosing which one we wanted. I am forever grateful that we even had options. Some other low-income countries do not have this luxury.

After doing some heavy research, I ended up going with Sinopharm. Yes, the China-made Covid-19 vaccine. There are a lot of controversies around the Sinopharm. There have been questions and doubts about its effectiveness in the real world. Whatever the case, I ended up choosing Sinopharm because of the technology used to produce the vaccine. The technology, which is using an inactivated virus has been used for decades to produce other vaccines such as Polio, Rabies, Hepatitis A, etc.

I went further and scheduled my appointment at the International Vaccination Center in Buea for June 25th. The day of my appointment arrived and I prepared myself mentally for whatever side effects I might or not have. I arrived at the vaccination center and was asked some questions such as if I had been infected with Covid-19 before and any allergies to vaccines? My response to both questions was no. So I got the first jab and had to sit for 15 minutes for observation.

After 15 minutes was up, I headed back to work. All was going well, after work I even headed to town to run some errands before going home. At some point, the side effects began to kick in. I arrived home safe and started feeling unease. Had body itches, pain on injection site, headache, nauseous, and dizziness. It is important to note here that I took paracetamol after and not before taking the jab. I took the paracetamol only when the side effects began to kick in. I kept drinking water throughout, laid down in bed till the next day. Luckily I had my mum to assist in taking care of my daughter for me. She was extremely worried and kept pacing back and forth checking up on me. I planned intentionally to take the jab on a Friday so that in case of any side effects, I could take the time to recover before work on Monday.

Now onto the second dose which was scheduled after 3 weeks. 16th July arrived and I went for my second dose. Went through the same procedure and sat down after receiving the jab for 15 minutes for observation. Now the second dose was easy breezy for me. Very minimal side effects were light headache and pain on the injection site. I now have my Covid-19 record vaccination card signed as proof of being fully vaccinated.

Like I always say, different bodies, different reactions. You will never truly know how your body will react to a vaccine till you take it. And please, if you take the vaccine and have no reaction, it does not mean the Covid-19 vaccine did not work or was not effective. Also please remember that even when one is fully vaccinated, it does not mean we should stop following the Public Health guidelines implemented. After vaccination, it takes time for one’s body to build up its immune system.

It is ok to be scared but see me as an example of someone who took the Covid-19 vaccine and has not become magnetic or God forbid, died. Covid-19 vaccines are not compulsory in Cameroon. However, it is strongly recommended that every Cameroonian gets vaccinated. We are all exposed to people who are spreading it and with the Delta variant on full force, it is more transmissible and dangerous. And just so you know, if Cameroon had just one type of the Covid-19 vaccine, I still would have gotten my shots. What is important is making sure I protect myself and others. Now how long the immunity lasts is the million-dollar question. So keep in mind booster shots may be required.

That is all folks. That was my experience and I am grateful one even has the covid-19 vaccines available in Cameroon.

Please get your shots!!!!!!