Alex Samanyanga
When authorities announced that journalists are part of frontline workers and are a preference for the Covid-19 vaccine, I took the opportunity to get my first jab at Wilkins Hospital.
Wilkins Hospital is one of the four Harare hospitals dispensing the Covid-19 vaccine in Harare, together with Sally Mugabe Hospital, Parirenyatwa Hospital and Edith Opperman Hospital.
After reading and hearing a lot of theories from different media platforms across the country I decided to grab the bull by its horns.
My first point of courage was when I saw Vice President and Health Minister (Rtd) General Constantino Chiwenga receiving his jab.
Renowned medical professionals followed their minister`s lead and the gesture made me confident.
As an avid social media user, I had read a lot of misinformation articles, myths and lies circulating on Twitter and Facebook.
“Vaccines are unsafe and normal safety protocols have been circumvented to fast track their authorisation for use. They contain a form of microchip that will be used to track and control an individual and will change your DNA,” reads one of the fake articles.
As I walked through the gate at Wilkins Hospital I was warmly received by two municipal workers who were quick to introduce themselves.
I showed them my Media ID Card, without any hustles I was booked in and went straight to the vaccination point.
Many people were gathered, waiting for their turn to be vaccinated
There were people of different creeds and nationalities.
My fellow workmates from different media houses were also present.
The procedure starts with counselling from the Wilkins Hospital Medical staff explaining to us why we are being vaccinated.
“Welcome to Wilkins Hospital, today we are going to administer you a Covid-19 vaccine from a Chinese company called SinoPharm.
Vaccines are an essential Public health measure for the prevention and control of Covid-19 locally and globally. Vaccines have been a major pillar for the control of similar epidemics in the past and will equally be important for Covid-19. The vaccines will complement existing prevention and control measures and not replace them,” we were told.
The nurse proceeded to tell us of the precautionary measures, in the event of any side effect.
“The vaccine is one of four drugs approved by the Government of Zimbabwe to be used locally. We assure you that the drug is safe and it is voluntary for one to take it. After you have been injected you will wait here for 30minutes while we assess you for any other side effects that may occur,” she said.
No questions were raised by our group and our details were recorded.
The next stage was the injection, many people were afraid of the needle.
I was injected and I must say the process was painless.
I was given a Covid-19 Covid-19 vaccination card and was told to return for the second jab after 28days.
The whole process took me less than 10mins.
It has been two weeks since I was vaccinated, I have not experienced any side effects.
Perhaps the only minor reaction I experienced was a bit of pain on the injection spot, I researched and learnt that it is usually a sign that the vaccine is kicking in.
Vaccines developed so far have a marked efficacy ranging from 70 to 80 percent and that is why people are encouraged to get the vaccine twice.
Vaccinations of frontline workers continue around Zimbabwe with current statistics showing that more than 45359 have been vaccinated.
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