Covid vaccination - what it’s like

What it’s like to have the Covid-19 vaccine

by Pete Robinson

Dr Miranda in vaccine action, and yes I’m smiling!

A few days before my 60th birthday I was invited to become one of the half a million people so far in Devon to receive their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccination.

I was delighted to be given the opportunity to go to the local clinic at Barnstaple Leisure Centre, where I was met and guided by a team of friendly and efficient volunteers - with smiling eyes and cheery demeanour beneath their face coverings despite the drizzle on a grey Friday afternoon.

The process from queueing to registration to vaccination took about twenty minutes. You’re asked a few health questions while you are waiting in line, then it was my turn to see Miranda one of our local GPs (above).

The injection itself I found quick and ‘just a sharp scratch’ as the medics say.

I was given the Oxford–AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine. My arm ached a bit for a few days, and I did have ‘flu type’ side effects the following day for about 36 hours, but I’m told by doctors that’s a good thing as it showed my immune system is working.

So that’s it for now, and I’m waiting to be contacted for my second dose probably in May. It’s important to remember that having the vaccine doesn’t necessarily stop you from catching Coronavirus, or carrying it and spreading it - so it’s still vital to follow the rules and keep your distance, wear a face covering, wash your hands regularly and ventilate your homes and work places.

Lockdown restriction changes

From March 29th, up to six people or two households, can meet outdoors and you can travel more to exercise (the guidance changes to ‘minimise travel’). Outdoor organised sports and parent-child groups can resume.

Then April 12th sees big changes as some UK holidays can take place, outdoor attractions can open and pubs with beer gardens can start serving alcohol outside (details on the Government graphic on the right).

You can see South Molton Medical Centre’s advert on page 35 in our Health & Wellbeing section for more vaccination information.