Covid: Diaries of the vaccinated

Kenyans who have received the Covid-19 jab have not reported adverse side-effects so far besides pain at injection site, headache, tiredness and muscle ache, according to Cabinet Administrative Secretary Dr Mercy Mwangangi.

In other countries mostly in Europe, investigations have been launched regarding people experiencing blood clots. Early this month, Denmark suspended administering Oxford/AstraZeneca jab following fears of blood clot, but “it is noteworthy that a number of countries such as Canada, Spain, Italy, France and Belgium have resumed its use,” said Dr Mwangangi.

Dr Mwangangi told the Senate Committee on Health chaired by Kisumu senator Fred Outa two weeks ago that the Ministry is monitoring any side effects of the vaccine. “The Ministry of Health, supported by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board is monitoring for reported side effects and so far, no significant side effects that would warrant investigations and/or deaths have been reported," said the CAS.

 Here are the testimonials of some Kenyans who have received Covid-19 vaccination:

‘Either you get the Vaccine or Covid-19’- Dr Patrick Amoth

Ag, Director General of Health

 Dr Amoth was the first Kenyan to take the vaccine on March 5, 2021, during its launch at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).

 "I did not experience major side effects, apart from soreness (which lasted for 47 hours). I took no medication for the side effects as l expected them to be transient. Better take the vaccine when your turn comes. It is either you get the Vaccine or Covid-19". 

'I have not had any side effects' - Prof Anyang' Nyong'o

Kisumu Governor, Council of Governors Health chairman  

 "I have not had any side effects after taking the vaccine.  People should get the jab. It helps without doing any harm. Even if you delay taking it now, please take it as soon as you are comfortable with taking it.”

‘Fear peddled created anxiety’- Lee Kinyanjui   

Nakuru Governor

 "I went for the vaccine because I have seen the pain of Covid-19 around me, and will not hesitate to take any measure necessary to reduce severity. Fear peddled has been created anxiety that may propel the side effects.”

‘It helps create herd immunity’- Dr Wilberforce Otichillo

Vihiga Governor

"Since I took the jab, I have not experienced any side effects. We should develop trust with it, and help create herd immunity. Our President Uhuru Kenyatta has shown by example, so let all legible groups get the jab.”

'I had no side effects. Just 30 minutes of drowsiness’- George Natembeya

Rift Valley Regional Commissioner

 After receiving his jab two weeks ago, the commissioner says "I had no side effects. Just some 30 minutes of drowsiness," he told The Standard adding that the vaccination was the only 'insurance' against hospitalization and reduction if severity of Covid-19.

‘I have just been a little hungrier than usual’- Dr Michael Mwachiro

 Consultant Surgeon, Tenwek Hospital and Secretary General, Surgical Society of Kenya

 "I am doing fine. I have no side effects noted, but I have just been a little hungrier than usual I am doing work as usual and I would encourage everyone who is eligible to take it.”

‘I took tab for the headache and pain’ - Dr Were Onyino

President, Kenya Medical Association

 He experienced only mild side effects namely nausea, headache, generalized fatigue and a mild headache, some pain at injection site, side effects that receded after two days. “I took Naproxen tab for the headache and pain.”

'Disregard the anti-vaccine propaganda’ - Dr Kireki Omanwa

President-Elect, Kenya Obstetrical and Gynecological Society

 "I took the jab and no side effects at all. I would urge all in the target group to go for the vaccine and disregard the anti-vaccine propaganda.”

‘The side effects lasted for four days’ - Alfred Obengo

President, Kenya National Nurses Association of Kenya

 He experienced general lethargy, some joint pains, heaviness of the head, feeling sleepy. The side effects lasted for four days. "People experience different suds effects, but I am glad, I did not develop any health complication to worry about,” he said. 

‘I experienced fever and tiredness a day after injection’ - Dr Wainaina Daniel

Director, Medical Services, Nakuru County

 He experienced fever and tiredness a day after the injection and a little tenderness on the injection site which lasted for two days. “The vaccine is safe and effective,” he reassures. “I have not experienced any serious adverse effects of the Astrazeneca vaccine.  I urge the target groups to embrace the vaccine.”

‘I had mild frontal headache, fever’ - Willie Lusige

KTN journalist, Western Region

 "I had fears that most of the people I interview don't know their Covid-19 status and they don't wear masks. But when I took the jab my fears were on side effects- After the jab I had mild frontal headache, fever and feeling weak for two days. I took a break from work, and I am well.”

'I never felt anything. Everything is very normal' - Edith Anjere

Vihiga County vaccines and Immunizations Coordinator

 "I never felt anything. Everything is very normal in me up to today. The public should stand assured that the vaccine is safe. It confers 95 per cent protection after the second jab, it reduces severe forms of the disease, by a bigger margin will reduce the effects of the pandemic and this save lives".

‘I got a mild headache on the day of the vaccine’ - Dr Mercy Korir

Health Editor, Standard Group

Last Monday I took my first dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca jab. I was anxious because of the unknown - I didn’t know what side effects to expect. Some of my colleagues had had persistent headaches, fever, fatigue, body aches...nothing major. My body handled it well.  I got a mild headache on the day of the vaccine, nothing to take any medication for. My left arm, at the injection site however ached for 3 days. I still managed to do my work, albeit with discomfort. On Wednesday it was as if nothing happened. Everyone is responding differently to the jab. You’re likely to hear all manner of experiences but the important thing is that there has been no adverse event as was earlier reported from Europe. The vaccine is safe, take it if you qualify.