Last Updated on February 15, 2022 by Star
So you’ve heard from friends and family overseas about how they either didn’t feel much, or had a fever and stayed in bed after they got vaccinated. But what about the actual process in Japan you might be wondering. The ‘not knowing what to expect’ part is sometimes more stress-inducing than the actual event, let me share my Covid-19 Vaccination experience with you. Hopefully you will find some information useful or at least find some parts reassuring.
While the Covid-19 Vaccination roll out in Japan has been a lot slower than many other countries, things are finally moving along, at neck-break speed may I add. The local governments have already started sending out the vaccination coupons and the companies that managed to secure doses for their employees under the Workplace vaccination scheme have already started vaccinating them.
I am fortunate that the company I work for arranged for us to get the vaccinations this way, so let me share my experience of what it was like.
Oh, and before you read on, I am still waiting to get my second dose, so will update this post once that’s done. My second dose is now done and dusted as well.
First Dose
Pre-vaccination
I received information that we would be able to get the vaccinations done through the Workplace scheme, and that there was a specific date and time slot allocated. We received copies of the pre-vaccination questionnaire and were told to fill it out beforehand.
Vaccination day
In the venue
We proceeded to the venue and once all our staff members had arrived, we were assigned numbers, but I wasn’t sure what the numbers meant at that time.
Once inside, we noticed that long tables had been placed end to end, and chairs had been placed beside them. We were instructed to sit where our assigned numbers were. I was surprised to find a couple of painkiller tablets on the table. “How convenient and thoughtful” I remember thinking to myself as I sat down.
Next, we had to fill up a “Record of Covid-19 Vaccination” form; information on the 1st and 2nd doses and the Lot numbers are recorded there.
A doctor then made an announcement covering some details on how the vaccination would be carried out. Basically, we could choose which arm we wanted the jab in. So if you know you will need that arm the next day, or sleep on that side, you can request that they give you the shot in the other arm.
The first jab
So anyway back to my story. Remember I was talking about the long tables and chairs? Well, they started at the front of the line, and one of the medical personnel had to first check the forms the person had filled out and ask a few questions. If they were deemed ok to get the jab, a doctor and nurse would push a trolley over and give the person the jab. Whilst this was happening, the person behind would be getting his paperwork checked. It was really very quick and efficient. Then, we had to sit there for 15 min after the shot to make sure that there were no complications.
After the 15 min were up, everyone grabbed their stuff and went on their way. No issues, no fuss. Everyone was fine.
What did it feel like?
Honestly, I felt my heart rate increasing as I watched the medical staff get closer and closer to me. I looked down at my watch and my heart rate was about 112! Anxiety you say? Yes, absolutely!
When it was my turn, the shot was quick and painless and was over so quickly I found myself thinking ” Oh, that’s it? It’s done?”. But my heart was still racing and as I watched the trolley move towards the person behind me, I felt a slight numbness in that arm, and there was some heaviness. I felt it all the way down to just above my wrist area. I was a little worried to be honest, but kept reminding myself that I was fine; That it would get better. 15 min later, we could leave, so we grabbed our stuff and made our way out, and went our separate ways.
The train ride home was crowded, but otherwise uneventful, and while my arm did become slightly sore. That strange numbness had disappeared even before I left the venue.
The next day, I woke up with a sore arm, but had no other issues.
Second Dose
Waves
I remember thinking “A few days to go” with excitement and anticipation, and then feeling anxious after that. Everything kinda came in waves.
Vaccination day
On the day itself, I made my way back to the vaccination venue, and found myself almost in a zen “mind over matter” sort of state of mind.
Some of our staff members were chattering about how the second shot was supposed to be more painful so I guess convincing myself that everything would be fine beforehand helped stop any kind of last minute feelings of panic.
Inside the venue
Like during the first time, there were long tables and chairs beside them, but this time, we were just told to sit down. No numbers were assigned. And unlike the previous time, there were no tablets on the table.
Without any announcement, the medical trolley starting moving towards us. “What….already?” I remember thinking.
Next thing I knew, the medical staff were standing beside me asking for my vaccination documents.
They then proceeded to stick the Lot number information sticker on my “Record of Covid-19 Vaccination” form. Oh, and they handed me the painkiller tablets after that with instructions to make sure that they were taken at least 6 hours apart.
The second jab
No anticipation, No fuss
The actual jab was really quick, though this time, it came with a “you will feel a slight prick” warning.
“Umm…ok…but isn’t that because it’s an injec… OH! That’s higher than where I was jabbed the last time”. I thought as I suddenly realized that it was done.
So that was it. No anticipation, No fuss. In, Jab, Wait for 15 min, Out. I was vaccinated.
The effects
My arm was only a little sore, but I expected it to get worse, so jumped in the shower when I got home, and went to bed.
It seemed a little colder than usual but I knew that chills were one of the possible side effects, so wasn’t fazed. Nothing a pair of long pants couldn’t fix.
Sleeplessness
I found myself awake at 2am in the morning, and while I didn’t feel too off, I was not able to fall asleep until about 4am! Huh? What’s happening… I couldn’t even blame my sore arm, coz it wasn’t even that sore.
Day 1
I pretty much spent the entire day in bed with my blackout curtains drawn. My fever went up to 39 deg C and did not go any lower than 38 deg C. Either the medication was not strong enough or the fever was just raging like a mad man, I don’t know.
All I know is the first 36 hours were not fun.
Day 2
My fever kept yoyo-ing between 37.5 deg C and 38 deg C but I somehow managed to get some work done. Seemed to get better by the night, but then I started to feel a bit nauseous. I took some medicine then went to bed hoping that it would disappear by the time I woke up.
Day 3
No such luck. Waking up to a stomach that feels like it has been floating on the surface of the ocean is far from fun. Not sure how, but I somehow managed to get through the day without actually puking on anyone. I think the sour plums I managed to buy from a nearby store helped.
Final thoughts
Unlike many of my family and friends, I was not able to choose or decide which vaccine to get, as waiting for your vaccine of choice would mean staying unvaccinated until it became available.
But thanks to the Workplace vaccination scheme, many of us have been able to get vaccinated. And for this, I am truly grateful.
It has been an exciting, scary, uncomfortable and reassuring journey. And some of the side effects were a bit rough.
But for the chance to live another day to see my friends and family, especially those back home, I would do it all over again.
Stay safe everyone.
Star
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Photo credit: Medical photo created by freepik – www.freepik.com