Which Vaccine?
The first time we had a vaccine, we had no choice. The second time, only a month later, the country had two types available. With health, what is true one year is reversed the next year. When I had my second vaccine, I heard that it was better to take a second of the same type.
However, for the third, my family chose to opt for Moderna, which is slightly stronger, so, we thought, should offer more protection.
Preparation
I had to wear a short-sleeved outfit for the vaccination in my upper arm. I wore a quick to remove cape. I wanted cover over my arm after the vaccination.
The vaccination centre was a community centre. It was attractively painted in jolly orange.
Colourful community centre. Photo by Angela Lansbury.
The Vaccination Centre
Very few people were at the remote vaccination centre which we had chosen. So were seen straight away.
Very few people at the remote vaccination centre we had chosen. So were seen straight away. Our phone message confirming the negative test at Changi airport had vanished. I knew we should have printed it as a backup.
Long delay, calling a doctor. Discussing.
I chose my left arm for the vaccine, because I am right-handed.
The first two vaccinations had been mere scratches. The third was more like an injection. Definitely a needle going in, not just a scratch. But quite fast. Not like giving a blood sample.
This time when I was given the plaster over the injection site, I asked how long the plaster should stay on. I was told an hour.
Angela and Trevor sitting in the white plastic chairs in the hall for the obervation after the vaccination. Photo by Angela Lansbury.
Observation
We sat for half an hour for observation. To be sure of no adverse reaction.
While waiting, we read the instructions. We were amused to read that, if you felt dizzy, you should raise your hand.
We added out own comments:
'Last time I felt dizzy, I did not have the energy to raise my hand.'
I had some questions. 'Raise my hand, before falling off the chair or when lying on the floor?'
I had plenty of material for a humorous speech.
Although the number of chairs was huge, the numbered chair we received was under the board with the instruction that we had been called and should go to desk number so and so for checkout. So an official had to come and tell us and direct us.
Before leaving, we were given a box of disposable blue masks and a dispenser containing hand sanitiser. We had received the same items after the first vaccination, but not after the second.
The Vaccination Experience
Afterwards
When we reached home we were already tired. We had a triple dose of tiredness. Jetlag from the flight. Tiredness from the stress of the event. And the effect of the vaccine.
The next day I had an aching arm and slept until noon.
My upper arm was swollen around the injection site.
Third vaccination swelling. Selfie Photo by Angela Lansbury.
By day two, Tuesday, things were better. Still slightly sore. Still typing happily. I am right handed, but typing involves only my hands from wrists down, not upper arms. I was careful not to pull items over my head and tried not to acccidentally knock my arm.
By Thursday you could see the red area, but it did not ache when I moved my arm and I had almost forgotten about it.
By Sunday, day six, I could squeeze my upper arm with no noticeable effect.
Useful Websites
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polymerase_chain_reaction
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moderna
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moderna_COVID-19_vaccine
About the Author
BIOGRAPHY
Angela Lansbury B A Hons ACG ALB PM5 EH5 DL5 VC5
The Author of several books including Etiquette For Every Occasion. Wedding Speeches & Toasts. How to be the Best Man. Quick Quotations. Who Said What When.
Blogs travelwithangelalansbury.blogspot.com
dressofthedayangela.blogspot.com
translateforfun.blogspot.com
Braddell Heights Advanced Toastmasters Speakers Club Vice President Public Relations (VPPR), Previous President
Join BHA 1st Wednesday 7pm and 3rd Saturday 2 pm Singapore time on bha.learncool.sg
Vice President Public Relations (VP PR) of Tampines Changkat Advanced;
Secretary of weekly online Singapore International Dynamic Toastmasters Speakers’ Club;
Member and past president of Harrovians toastmasters club, UK; Past member of HOD Toastmasters, London. Past member in Singapore of: Toastmasters Club of Singapore (TCS); Tiarel; and Senja Cashew.
More details from Toastmasters International find a club.
Regular attendee at annual Swanwick Writers’ School, England.
Regular attendee at annual Writers’ Holiday, Wales.
Contributor to poetry readings, and after tea courses on: Speaking On Radio To Promote Books; and Plots And Character.
Winner of many club and area speaking contests in the UK and Singapore.
Language advisor to Empire Toastmasters club in Indonesia.
Language and speech workshops in Singapore.
Speaker on radio and TV in England, Scotland, the USA, and Australia.
Compiler of a school course on public speaking for teachers to prepare pupils for school open days with attending ceremonies before government ministers, Singapore.
Former member of Harrow Writers’ Circle, London, and two writing groups in Singapore.
Angela is on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Twitter. She would be delighted to link up with new friends.
