The Covid-19 booster jab is an additional dose given to individuals who have already received two vaccine shots. Those who are fully vaccinated have increased protection against the coronavirus, especially when it comes to severe symptoms that could result in death due to breathing difficulties.
As this protection wanes over time, the booster is given to enhance its effectiveness.
Simran (not her real name) got her booster at a vaccination centre (PPV) near her home. She is sharing her experience for those who are unsure about receiving the jab, though it is worth remembering that different people respond differently to inoculations, and that the wait time might vary depending on your PPV.
The entry process was the same as with her first two doses. When she got to the PPV, she filled out a form that asked about allergies and if she was experiencing any Covid-related symptoms beforehand.
About 15 minutes after submitting the paperwork, she was led to the vaccine room. There, the nurse asked for her name and date of birth to confirm her identity.
As she had earlier received two doses of AstraZeneca, she was required to get a booster of either Pfizer or AstraZeneca. After receiving the shot, she felt fine. The nurse had her scan a QR code to update her MySejahtera app.
Simran had to wait for a further 15 minutes in the observation area to make sure there were no untoward effects, before she was given a vaccine card with the booster shot documented. Since she felt no symptoms during this time, she was free to leave.
She experienced mild symptoms the next day including soreness in her arm and tiredness; and although she also had mild fever and muscle aches, these issues were bearable.
She ate some light food and stayed hydrated, and also took paracetamol for her aches and fever.
By the second day, she was back to normal. She had taken the day off from work to rest, and decided to take it easy for the vaccine to fully work and help her body regain strength and immunity.
For Simran, the experience was seamless and definitely tolerable. Whenever she felt discomfort, she reminded herself that the vaccine was to benefit her and those around her, and whatever she was feeling was much better than getting seriously ill with Covid-19.
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