The Foxes both got stabbed in the arm yesterday afternoon by a very nice NHS nurse wielding a vaccination in a syringe. We got our first doses of the Oxford/AstraZenica version.
The whole process was incredibly well orchestrated – easy parking, easy progress through varying levels of interrogation, four separate hand-sanitising moments as you wander through and then a swift chat with a nurse about underlying medical things, any unexplained recent symptoms and so on – just what you’d expect before getting the needle. Finally, the jab stage where you get given a neat little card with the batch number and the type of vaccine recorded, so that you can be sure to get the right stage two jab in a few weeks’ time. Another nurse rolls your sleeve up and administers the vaccine in your arm of choice and it’s all over. The procession through the process reminded me in some way of going to Santa’s Grotto in Dingles at Christmas when I was five.
Despite fairly sober warnings from the nurses that ‘a lot’ of people have reported feeling distinctly fluish for a couple of days, all I’ve experienced – so far – is a bruised ache in the upper arm as if someone had whacked me with a hammer when I wasn’t looking. Madame Foxy has been a little worse however, feeling distinctly off and washed out all afternoon today. Hopefully the ‘one to two days’ forecast will pan out and by Wednesday this week we’ll be back to normal (i.e. only the usual aches and pains, pulled muscles, etc. as expected and tolerated by all old farts on a business-as-usual basis).
We were both utterly impressed with the way the process was being managed by the brilliant, cheerful, welcoming, GSOH NHS staff who are running the vaccination centres. Outstanding, just wonderful, and a reminder, if one were needed, of how bloody lucky we are to have the service in the UK.
Anyone else had their first jab yet, and if so, which one did you get and how has your body responded?
I’ll let you know on Friday afternoon.
Done at 3pm today, Pfizer, so had to sit for 15 mins. On the trudge back to the car park, I noticed a slight tingle in my arm which went by the time I set off for home. No ill effects so far.
Other observations: there are people other than my own family and places other than my house. Who knew?
Well, spouting nonsense like that isn’t a very good advert for the vaccine.
And Bill Gates now knows I have an overwhelming urge to buy a Boss guitar effects pedal.
Weird isn’t it? Other people and places. All over the shop. Marvellous!
Update: upper arm felt a bit sore before bed, still is a bit this morning. I think I need a day sitting on my bum and playing records to help the recovery. Someone else can do the housework.
Updated update: I felt a bit tired mid-afternoon the day after, so went for a walk to get some fresh air and sunshine. Felt a bit sweaty in the evening, then remembered the boiler had been serviced and the man in the van had set the thermostat to 30 degrees C.
On the Sunday I had an afternoon nap on the sofa. Mrs F was watching Little House on the Prarie on the telly, and I am 51 years old.
astrazeneca for me last Wednesday just after a covid test as I had to attend a hospital procedure on Saturday.
Felt chilly that night but ok next day.
My second is booked for April.
Only one person before me at the pharmacy and I got a free box of masks and some handgel on leaving.
Smug jug me, had my first Pfizer in December and 2nd, 3 weeks later in January, just as the shutters went down for the Pfizer recommended interval. (FWIW, AZ buddies, there IS evidence now supporting 12/52 for the AZ interval, but not yet for the Pfizer.) Sore arm a la Foxy first time, less so the second.
The wife had her first last week and had 6 hours of awfulness on the 2nd day, lifting as swift as it hit. Stepsprog, a shielding adult, had hers the week before and felt awful for a few days.
DOI, both my doses were the “extra” doses squeezed into each vial, and that were freely and appropriately used for clinicians, so as to avoid wastage.
Had my first jab 4th Jan. Pfizer. No side effects whatsoever, not even a sore arm.
Second due 11th March.
Pfizer last Wednesday, Minor sore arm for a day but that always happens when I get the flu jab as well.
Process was brilliantly done from start to finish. My head says it almost certainly won’t matter but I would be happier if I wasn’t waiting for 12 weeks for the next one.
The nice doctor who asked us the questions before the jab commented that we (at 60) were a little younger than most people who were being called at the moment. “Who gives a fuck, just stick the needle in” I shouted in my head but being English, I just smiled.
AstraZeneca yesterday. Started to feel unwell during the night – temperature was 38.7 this morning. Feeling a bit brighter now though. I suspect the reaction might be partly due to having had covid infection last month.
I had the AstraZeneca option on 4th February. The whole process here, in Dumfries, was very efficient and took no more that 10 minutes from getting out of the car and back in again. I felt a bit lethargic next day and had a dull headache. I had a couple of Paracetamol and took it easy the rest of the day. No problems with my arm. I was back to normal next day and have felt fine since then. For about the last year, I have been logging in daily on the ZOE C19 Symptom Study app which also provides loads of excellent info on all aspects of the virus. In fact, I think I might have heard about it on this site. Highly recommended!
I had astrazeneca 10 days ago. Sounds similar. Well organised, over quickly and no major side effects. Perhaps felt a little chilly too, but then it was very cold weather too. As one of the clinically vulnerable, I was very happy to have it, and it does lift your spirit.
Had the AstraZeneca 2 weeks ago – felt a bit odd, hot and cold overnight and definitely under the weather the next day, but fine after a 2nd night’s good sleep. No sore arm…the doc was clearly an expert!
Have been doing a bit of volunteer marshalling at the vaccination centre (which is actually in my road, so it would have been a bit churlish not to!), and that has been fun. So many people are grateful and positive – just nice to chat to people again.
Phizer jab 3 weeks ago – no side effects other than a very mild headache. A bit concerned there might be some side effects as I take Warfarin, but nowt, and the whole process was friendly, efficient and the vaccinator had the good grace to laugh at my witless Tony Hancock joke.
Pfizer- three weeks ago. Sore arm for a few hours, nothing else. Also utterly inspired by the process, the volunteers, nurses and the whole experience.
I had the AZ jab Sat 13th at my GP surgery, very well organised and slickly done. Felt OK until late Sunday, but got a big kick of flu symptoms, very tired and bad headaches – had to take a couple of days off work, and only really got back to normal over this weekend. From what I’ve seen/heard, I think I had an unusually severe bout of side effects. Won’t stop me getting the 2nd jab when offered though.
Moriarty. Did you go ‘Owwww…’?
😁
Pleased you and all the above have had it and everyone stays well.
“Keep still, do you want us both out of this face-mask?”
Astra Zen 7 days ago. Fairly relaxed, almost casual process, symptomatic of where I live in that you tend to know people! No after effects. Bring on no. 2.
I had the first dose AZ yesterday, and as with everyone above I’d be hurling my hat skywards to celebrate the marvellous NHS process, were it not for a bit of an arm ache today. There was a fair amount of shivering and shaking last night, and a mildly aching head this AM, but otherwise, all good. The sole downside was in the queue outside, when the couple behind me began a conversation with the woman behind them.
‘What annoys me’ said the bloke, ‘Is these immigrants getting to the front of the queue. Don’t get me started on that.’
‘Yeah, and stopping my mum from getting the jab’ added his partner.
‘Excuse me’ I said ‘How old is your mum?’
’81’
‘And she hasn’t had the jab because of immigrants?’
‘No, she has had the jab’
‘But I thought you just said she hadn’t had the jab because of the immigrants’
‘Don’t be soft mate’ said the bloke ‘People like her mum, that’s what she’s saying’
‘Which people like her mum? And which immigrants?’
Silence.
‘It’s not a very good story, is it?’
I’m afraid I might have been a tad less diplomatic if I’d been in your shoes.
That’s a road I’ve been down on more than a few occasions. This was more the approach I was going for this time…
I so, so hope that the person that gave them the jab was an immigrant.
Good news all round! They’re not “rolling out” the barrels of stuff over here until the end of the month, having taken an age to approve both of them. Not the same urgency here, I guess.
I’ll be in the second wave, which is basically everybody over 70, the first wave being front line workers and Scott Morrison. Co-morbidities? Pah! Nobody really knows how the administering will work – there will be 6 venues in QLD, 2 in Brisbane. Doctors are being encouraged to join in, but my doc says he doesn’t have the resources, and the paperwork is punitive for a return of $17 a pop. (Free to the recipient.)
Had mine (AstraZeneca) two weeks ago. It was well organised, the process including the 15 minute observation after the jab, took less than 30 minutes. Barely felt it, no aftereffects, job`s a good `un!
For what it’s worth, my other half, who works in the pharmacy of a major hospital, recommends antihistamines and a paracetamol beforehand. That said, she still had some aches and shivers, similar to gopher response to her annual flu jab, for a day or so after she got her first Pfizer shot.
I’m due to be having mine either this week or next. It will be a worry off my list, as we’re due to be moving house very soon. Should have the date in the next couple of days. Hopefully it’s a couple of weeks after my jab, cos I don’t fancy my chances much if I get COVID, with my asthma and neuro issues. Apparently, Barnsley’s R number has gone up over lockdown, which doesn’t surprise me, as people just haven’t been complying. We’ll have the removal people, plumber, electrician, Sky man and BT man in the house and I’m buying it from 2 nurses, so it has been a worrying wait for the jab.
But I can tell you now that the injection didn’t hurt. Sometimes being unable to feel your arms is a good thing!
@paul-wad -Re Sky – I moved the first week in Jan and I’m still waiting for Sky to reconnect me. The engineer rocked up on Jan 11th as booked to tell us that he wasn’t allowed to come inside the house, which made the whole thing impossible, so it might be worth checking with them what they will and won’t do. You can be sure they won’t tell you in advance. I re-booked for March 11th and Sky then moved that to April 12th (oddly enough…).
They won’t stop billing you if they won’t connect you unless you ring them.
Thanks for the heads up. I’m not expecting everything to go to plan. I’m waiting for the removal men to come and take the crates away they delivered. They are filthy, dirty and smelly. At least 2 smell like their previous journey started at Grimsby fish market. I would have said they are stinking the garage out, but today I can no longer smell them. Instead, there is the overpowering aroma of the muck that has clearly just been spread on one of the nearby farms. That’s one of the things I’m not going to miss once I move from this semi-rural area back into town.
Got mine booked for friday at Lichfield Cathedral which I believe means it will be the Pfizer one – @retropath2 should confirm.
Have to say NHS have been hugely impressive in their organisational skills of late. I doff my cap to them. I was even impressed with the scientists on the broadcast tonight.
Dunno, @stevet, I think the Cathedral are using AZ by and large, or certainly last week. Because it is part of the local GP provision rather than the national centres based, it depends what the practices get delivered. And it isn’t always what is promised beforehand…..
Only said that because when speaking to the nurse at Westgate practice she said that the AZ one was administered in surgery and the Pfizer at the cathedral as they had the cold storage. At the end of the day I guess it doesnt matter.
Cold storage in the cathedral? Worst TS Eliot sequel ever.
I had the Pfizer jab 3 weeks ago. I received a text on the Friday afternoon, with a link to 3 local sites, and had the injection (at what was my nursery school) 9am Sunday morning.
The set up was very well run, similar to a polling station, with Marshalls moving people around the hall & then to a seat for the 15 minute check.
I couldn’t fault them, and apart from a slight warmness of my arm for the rest of the day, had no ill effects.
The only annoyance was that I had my elder sister querying why I’d been vaccinated before her & her husband shouting “it’s not fair!” Obviously advanced glaucoma is a bigger risk than I was aware and my local surgery want to try to avoid adding to my ongoing treatment.
I reckon the vaccine roll out went by Post Code, then by the age, key workers, health concerns. That would explain why some people in lower prioritised groups received their vaccine before people in more prioritised groups.
I await to be shot down in 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥!
I think there’s an element of how local you are to a super-freezer. Cambridge is/was ahead in Pfizer roll-out because Addenbrookes hospital already had one.
I wish it had been that sophisticated: it went by a combination of luck, delivery schedules and preparedness of the localities to hit the ground running. The success has been allowing for local networks of GPs to kickstart the process, which were vaccinating long before the football stadia filled with volunteers and retired returners. Not perfect: not every area had the logistics for the early provision: buildings with free flow and distancing capability. For instance, in my neck, Burntwood was up and running a good fortnight ahead of Lichfield, that time lag still present to a degree.
(Yeah, course I work in Burntwood.)
Yes, there’s an inevitable element of making-it-up-as-we-go-along still detectable, but even then it’s an absolute logistical triumph.
We booked our first jabs at the vaccination centre in a huge marquee at Bath Racecourse, where there’s loads of room for the car parking, patient routing, various stations along the way, and the sit-down-afterwards space. However, we couldn’t book our second jabs there, and had to choose another similarly distanced site instead. Out of curiosity I asked why, and the nurse said that a) they might have to lose the Racecourse site if racing recommences in May, and b) the supply of vaccines is as you say, subject to flexible delivery schedules, and that the site for our second jab simply had a promise of availability in the right time frame.
We’re not bothered about having to drive a tiny bit further for round two, and the rationale makes good sense given the circumstances.
My arm is pretty much recovered now, after 36 hours, and Madame Foxy also pretty much right as rain again.
I had my first Pfizer shot three weeks ago. I’m the first of my group of friends and tbh seeing that teachers, people with learning disabilities etc are still to get theirs, feel a bit guilty. Apparently I qualify as I had chemotherapy a few years ago and so, despite being 45, am eligible. No side effects and like everyone else is saying, was heartened by the brisk, jolly efficiency of all involved, especially the local volunteers.
Here in Singapore we are looking at the first jab at the end of March / early April.
They have done the frontline workers and a trail of seniors and are now rolling out to all over 70s now, with the 60-69s targetted to be complete by mid March. Being in the 50-59 bracket, we are expecting straight after that. At present it’s either the Pfizer or the Moderna vaccine, although I believe the Astra one is on the way – so not sure what we will end up getting.
Had the Astra Zeneca 3 weeks ago at my GPs – I assume they are ahead of schedule as I’m under 65. Mrs BB has hers tomorrow. All very straightforward and efficiently done.
I felt like shit the next day though – no temperature, but fluey aches and pains and just generally washed out, so spent the day lying on the couch and watching Netflix. Hardly a trial then. Next day fine again.
Had mine offered (in error) then cancelled within 2 days last week and haven’t heard anything since.
Had my first Pfizer jab last Thursday. Bit of a sore arm for a while but not even that really. Really well organised. Quite a moving experience actually.
Had my first AstraZeneca jab on Monday 8th at my GP’s surgery. In and out in 10 minutes and they were jabbing 3 at a time (in separate rooms). Hardly felt the injection and not much arm pain afterwards. Felt a bit tired and washed-out for the next couple of days then right as rain. Booked for jab #2 in May.
I’m participating in the Virus Watch study from UCL, which is a weekly questionnaire via an email link and have also enrolled on their Monthly Finger Prick Antibody Test study, which will run until August ’21.
At the Fox Mansion, we’re in the ONS survey, our address having been randomly selected. A tester comes to the house each time with a questionnaire (the usual things you’d expect to be asked*) and some tests that are uniquely identifiable to us as individuals. We’ve been tested about half a dozen times so far, and usually (not always!) get a letter after a week or so with the results. If it’s ever positive, I believe they will contact our GP as well. The tests are due to continue for over a year – weekly (ish) at first, and then monthly. You can opt out at any time, but as we are both scientists by degree, we appreciate the need for sample size, and are happy to participate.
*favourite band, best decade for music, Beatles or Stones, that sort of thing.
Pfizer last Monday. Only suffered a slightly tender arm for a day or so. Booked online before 2 letters and 2 texts arrived the day after the jab. Extremely well organised at the centre.
Next jab is due on Star Wars day, so shouldn’t forget that (May 4th).
Had my first jag yesterday. Is it bad that I don’t know which one it was, Pfizer or whatever?? I didn’t even think to ask. I’m very trusting.
The side effects have been so mild that I wouldn’t even have given them a second thought unless I had known to expect them. A very slight sniffle and a very slightly sore arm.
I honestly feel like I’ve jumped the queue and there are other people more deserving who need it first, but the nurse said a lot of people have said that!
Didn’t they give you a card with the date and batch details on it? I’ve seen plenty of them on social media all saying which vaccine was given. I will of course take whatever I’m given.
Re jumping the queue.
There may be the odd irregularity in the queue but what is happening is that most of the ones in greatest need have been done. The programme has moved on to the relatively young & well!
I was wondering why my niece (early 40s) had her jab before both her mum (71) and me (69). It’s because she’s on medication for a persistent skin complaint that lowers her immune response. A 63-year-old pal in NW London had his first jab last week.
Great to see the scots for jabs making an appearance. Hope it wasn’t, o my sides, on the back of your hand.
But, to the question, did you have to sit down and be observed for 15 minutes afterwards? If so, Pzizer. If not, not. Easy. Plus it should say on your card. (You did get a card?)
I didn’t have to sit down after my JAG, no. So it was the other one!
We both got the Oxford/AstraZeneca, and we were asked if we would mind waiting in the designated departure area for 15 minutes before driving off, so I don’t think the ‘wait? yes/no’ choice is quite that definitive.
It was just suggested I should sit for 15 minutes after, when I was given the AZ vaccine.
I guess it depends on the perception of frailty?!
Cheeky sod. Actually, rather than being ‘asked if we would mind’ it was rather more politely suggested that if we felt we wanted to wait to see if there was an adverse immediate reaction, would we mind doing it ‘over there’ i.e. out of the way in the seating area for those awaiting a lift/swooning from needlefear.
In the event, we both took the opportunity to scrawl our profound thanks onto the whiteboard that had been provided for comments, decided we were unlikely to pass out and promptly sodded off, happy as larks.
Group 5 is 65-69.
Group 6 is 16-64 with underlying health conditions (e.g. T2 diabetics, immune-suppressed). There are lots (I think I read 7.8M).
My local authority sent out invites to both groups at the same time.
Group 7 is 60-64, group 8 55-59, group 9 50-54.
I’m type 1 diabetic (just recently diagnosed – a nice christmas present!) which was why I was fast-tracked.
You sound very clued up. I’m terrible for not bothering with the detail of these things a lot of the time. Need to leave room in my brain for my knowledge of Beatles outtakes and Mike Oldfield b-sides after all. I just think, I trust the health service, someone’s got a needle to stick in my arm, I’m fine with that. Don’t need any more info!
I’m only that clued up because I’m in group 6 (immune suppressed) and Mrs F is in group 9.
And because I am very dull.
@arthur-cowslip Have you booked your second jab yet? You’ll need to ensure that you get the same vaccine the second time – you really do need to have the card with the type and batch number info on it. You will have been handed one when you were first jabbed.
Which type of jab did you get first Mr. Cowslip?
Er, I think it was an out-take from The White Album.
It’s just not going to cut any ice with the NHS is it?
If you’ve lost the card your GP should be able to help. Through gritted teeth.
Okay, sorted. Yes I had been given a load of bumf (another Scottish word there) and I do indeed have a personal reference number and all sorts. Yes it was the astra zeneca one I got, it turns out.
English guidelines say you can kick AZ out the door on jabbing, with advice not to drive for 15. Pfizer have to be observed, as will be the case with Moderna. It my be different in Alba.
Ah, that nuance was not clear to me before. Thanks.
Don’t worry. Pinnacle, the magic central computerised system knows exactly which jab you’ve had, where and when. If only it didn’t take quite so long to fill in the blessed computerised form!
If you lose your card, the NHS still knows.
My Diana Ross impression is coming along nicely.
(I’m still waiting.)
As am I (Group 7) although a mate of mine in Group 8 in Devon was jabbed last week.
I’m in Group 10. *
You lot don’t know you’re born, with your old age and long-term conditions.
(*there is no Group 10… we are merely The Others)
We can conclude you’re over 16, then Moosey. Like there are any youngsters on the AW.
Mrs M is having her first tomorrow afternoon. Can I persuade her that immunity can be sexually transmitted?
But so can the virus.
Oh, I’ll leave that bit out. So to speak.
Had mine this morning. Top marks to my GP surgery and the NHS for the superbly expert way the whole experience was organised. Quick, friendly and efficient. No ill effects yet, but worth it if they occur. Boris and cronies may not come out of this covered in glory, but the scientific and healthcare professionals have played an absolute blinder.
I’m NHS, so had my first jab (Pfizer, since you ask) in mid-January, and suffered no ill-effects whatsoever; in fact I’d even forgotten I’d had it by later in the day… 2nd jab is due 12th March, can’t wait!
My experience echoes the “military precision” of the whole operation alluded to of a number of times in earlier posts, and I was especially impressed at how friendly and encouraging all the staff involved were. I felt very well treated by the time I left the facility, and also had a strange and unexpected feeling of “satisfaction”, too.
https://www.nhs.uk/book-a-coronavirus-vaccination/do-you-have-an-nhs-number
Being a fully qualified “apprentice old codger” (over 60) I was able to book a vaccination appointment for next week (also my second appointment in May).
The aardvarkess hasn’t reached the “apprentice old codger” milestone yet (still 29, apparently) and was (as we anticipated) unable to book.
Looking forward to reporting on any side effects . . .
Many thanks, @aardvarknever!
Thanks to your prompt, I have at the third attempt managed to book my two appointments, to occur a mere 0.8 miles from Casa Thebald.
My first go (yesterday) offered me a less than optimally convenient site 41 miles from home. This morning’s stab was closer at 14.7 miles, but I held out for a venue within easy cycling – and if necessary walking home supported by my bike – distance.
I’ll try to remember to report back after the first one on Friday.
I actually booked one a bit further away than the closest offered.
Partly because I’d heard that that centre is well oroganised and partly because my car needs a reasonable run out every now and then.
That last sentence is prime Afterword.
Rock and ROLLLL!
I can see your point there, sort of.
I bought a new-to-me car at the beginning of January and the longest journey it’s made since is the drive home from where I bought it.
About 6 miles.
Well that went well. I’ve not noticedd any side effects so far.
Nice day for a drive. For some reason it put me in mind of this:
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=08kW-e-NN4I
Coincidentally I spent a few holidays in Sutton On Sea as a child (primary school age). My avatar picture was taken there by my grandfather.
Also worth considering travelling further if you can as it releases slots locally for people who don’t have a car and/or those people with very significant health issues 18-65 who are now being vaccinated.
Mrs F and I both had the Astra a fortnight ago. She was fine and I was ok after a fairly restless night. Daughter in law and her mum had the Tizer this afternoon. Both ok.
Mrs M had the Pfizer on Saturday. She was about 90% ok on Sunday but very weak and weary yesterday and has taken to her bed.
I had my first jab (Astra Zeneca) on February 12th
Arm was a bit heavy the day after and I felt a bit tired but had a half hour kip on the settee and felt much better.
Haven’t been booked in for a second jab yet but am anticipating it being 12 weeks after my first so approximately May 12th.