I had my first Covid-19 jab yesterday evening. So I thought it might be worthwhile writing a little about it, for those who might feel anxious, or uncertain about the process.
I was texted by my GP practice around a week ago, offering the jab, and I rang up to make the appointment.
My vaccination was at the Tessa Jowell Health Centre on the East Dulwich Rd. This is a new building, built where part of East Dulwich Hospital used to be. I’ll describe my experience, and although other vaccination centres may operate differently, there will also be a lot of similarities, I’m sure.
My appointment was in the evening. The reception desk on the left has a list of the people they are expecting. It isn’t a walk-in service - you need an appointment. After telling them you have arrived, you are given a card and a number, and you wait to be called upstairs (there is also a lift, but it is only one flight up, so I walked up).
Then, after a further short wait, there is an opportunity for a one-to-one conversation across a desk, with a professional, where they ask a few questions about your health and explain everything about the virus. For example, the level of protection it offers, and how soon, what you should do in terms of Covid safety after having it (no surprises, stay indoors!) - and what they know or don’t know about its effectiveness. They can also discuss the new variants. There is a takeaway leaflet as well.
You can ask anything you like about the virus. They are happy to answer questions.
After this, you wait in a separate area to be called for your jab. The vaccinators are friendly, and make sure you understand everything happening. They warn of the main possible side effects (a sore arm and a headache - both of which I'm currently enjoying!) and recommend paracetamol if they occur.
The jab was a quick pinprick. No problems.
I had the Pfizer vaccine yesterday; I don’t know whether the one they offer depends upon supply or whether it is always the same at Tessa Jowell.
Anyway, then you head to another reception desk to book your second dose, after which you are asked to wait quietly for 15 minutes to make sure there are no immediate reactions (this is a common precaution for many vaccinations).
Then you are free to go.
In terms of Covid precautions, everyone, staff and patients, wore masks, and social distancing was strongly observed; there were lots of staff in attendance to make sure everyone was safe. Unless there are very good health reasons not to, you should wear a mask too, to make sure everything is as safe as possible.
One small issue: I drove there – there is on-site parking. You have to register the number plate on a touch screen, and I couldn’t find any hand sanitiser nearby. So I strongly recommend that if you are driving you take some sanitiser of your own, or some antiseptic wipes. Of course, they may have improved this by the time you go.
Overall, I felt pretty safe and well cared for. Everyone was focused on making the whole process accurate, speedy and safe. Nevertheless, I was there for around 45 minutes. So do allow enough time, and be patient.
I asked the person who vaccinated me about their throughput. It’s impressive: the Health Centre is doing many, many hundreds a day. And it was all calm, and well-managed.
Of course, I think everyone should have the jab if they are offered it. However, if you are anxious, you can always go along to your appointment and ask any questions you are concerned about. That’s one of the reasons for the one-to-one sessions. If you are still uncertain, I think you can still walk away, and not have it, but at least you have then heard the arguments.
And now I’m back to shielding, for a few weeks at least!
