My Covid19 Vaccination – Part 2

Saturday 17 July 2021.

It was the day when I had my 2nd dose of the Moderna vaccine.

I arrived at Woodlands Community Club at the time slot which I had chosen – 8am.

As usual, I can exit the vaccination centre only if I am feeling alright after 30 minutes of rest upon taking the vaccine injection. Hence, the time allocated for me was 8.45am.

This arrangement is made for the reason that the vaccination centre personnel will be able to attend to anyone immediately in the event if there is an instant reaction upon taking the injection; for example, feeling faint or giddiness. Medical doctors and nurses are on standby.

For a moment, I thought we Singaporeans are a lucky bunch because our Government has went great lengths during the pandemic to ensure its citizens are well taken care of. It’s a blessing!

For the entire Saturday, I was feeling alright. I only feel a slight feeling of stiffness at the injected site on my left upper arm. I had a full night sleep lasting about 7-8 hours. It was until the next day when I woke up and felt abit hot before taking brunch. Using a thermometer, I took my temperature – 37.8!

My goodness. I had slight fever!

I understand that the side effects of the covid19 vaccine, be it Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty or Moderna, differs for everyone. It is a matter of how intense you feel it, heavy or light.

Afterall, the side effects are a result of the body building up immune response against covid19 virus with the vaccine taken. To put it simple, it is like your body is building “a firewall of protection in preparation for any strain variant of the covid19 virus infecting the body”. So this explains why you get the side effects such as fatigue, fever etc.

That said, it is not 100% protection. The vaccine helps to reduce the extent of the virus greatly, to a mild condition if you happen to get it. You will not be seriously ill. Furthermore, being vaccinated, it will not be very contagious if you infect surrounding people with the virus.

Okay, back to my fever.

As advised by the vaccination centre personnel, I took fever pills (2 tablets each time) every 6 hours. I rest more. I drank more water. I do not take any alcholic drinks. I shall see doctor if fever persists on the third day.

Fortunately, the fever quickly subsided by late night. As I was going back to work the next day (Monday 19 July), I popped another 2 fever pills again “for precaution” before bedtime. Voila, I was perfectly alright the next day. Healthy and kicking! There was no strenuous exercise for 1 week after taking the vaccine.

I have to wait for 14 days before the full protection effect starts in my body. And also achieving the “fully vaccinated” status” under the Singapore national vaccination programme.

Yes, I am now certified “fully vaccinated” as of Saturday 31 July! I can now protect myself as well as the people surrounding me.

As of Wednesday 28 July 2021, close to 56% of the Singapore population have had completed the full regimen, meaning received 2 doses or 1 dose for recovered covid19 individuals.

Singapore aims to vaccinate two-thirds of its population by the 56th National Day on Monday 9 August 2021. Keep fighting, Singapore!