In the last weeks and months, the Covid vaccination exercise has been gaining momentum. In the US, the Biden administration has committed to the vaccination of millions of its citizens and to date over 150 million have been vaccinated. Bringing it home, the Nigerian government has rolled out its vaccination exercise, making it available to citizens except for pregnant women, nursing mothers and children. 

While some have had very easy access to it, others have had to queue at some general hospitals in a bid to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Interestingly enough, individuals have had differing attitudes to vaccines and exercise in general. 

One school of thought have sworn that they will never participate in the exercise claiming that this is an attempt by developed countries to wipe out African or developing countries. Another feel this is a strategic ploy of the ‘eastern’ people to gain dominance over the world. There are also the horror reports that have gone around about people who have ‘lost their lives after taking the vaccine, developed blood clots as a result of the vaccine and the very valid point that taking the vaccine does not totally prevent you from getting the virus or falling sick in future, as the continues to mutilate. 

That said, the following have been gathered as it relates to taking the vaccine. For starters, after taking the vaccine, you may feel ill for a few days. This may range from pain at the site of the vaccine, to body pain and Covid like or flu-like symptoms. Taking paracetamol before and after the vaccine has been noted to be highly beneficial. Additionally, some people have been noted to pass out after receiving the vaccine. This news should not scare you… well… not totally. You see, at the centre where you are being vaccinated, you will be monitored for a few minutes after the exercise. This means that should this happen, you are in safe hands because the medical personal will be prepared and equipped to resuscitate you. However, people have been advised to eat… eat very well… not a light cozy meal, not a smoothie, and definitely not a ‘diet’ routine. Eat and eat again, the more you eat the better you are able to withstand the shot. Yet, not everyone falls sick after the vaccine. Note though, if you feel unwell, you should avoid driving or operating machinery. 

Two shots of the vaccine are needed for adequate protection. Depending on the vaccine you take, this can be within weeks or a few months. This however does not mean that you should do away with your facemasks, social distancing, washing your hands frequently or using hand sanitisers oven start hugging everyone to make up for lost time. Covid is an interesting virus and the protocol still remains. Above all, never forget, surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows… he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and with his stripes, we are healed. 

I hope this is a bit helpful in allaying your fears. This is definitely not an attempt to sway you to or not to take this vaccine; it is just to put relevant information out there. If you haven’t yet registered for the vaccine, and you want to, do visit: http://nphcdaict.com.ng/publicreg/

Here’s to good health and better days ahead. 

*I am not a doctor or a medical professional. The information shared has been received by personal experience, experiences from other individuals and advice from medical professionals. Please do contact your doctor for more information.