Media personality Eve D'Souza on Friday, March 5, shared her experience after receiving the Astrazeneca vaccine revealing that she got her Covid-19 jab in Dubai.
She shared her experience on the same day the government rolled out the vaccination programme with Acting Health Director-General becoming the first person to get the jab in Kenya.
Souza stated that she did not experience any pain or side effects for the first five hours.
"Around five hours after the jab, I started to feel pain and discomfort where the injection was given plus fatigue. I took 1000mg paracetamol which helped. In the middle of the night I woke up with joint pain, mild fever, and generally felt unwell," she stated.
"The key is to keep taking paracetamol every 6 to 8 hours for the first 48 hours. The discomfort typically lasts around 24 to 48 hours," she added.
At the same time, the Covid-19 vaccine was rolled out in Kenya with Acting Health Director-General Dr. Patrick Amoth becoming the first person in Kenya to get the Covid-19 vaccine.
After taking the shot, Amoth assured Kenyans that the vaccine was safe and free for all.
Since the vaccine landed in the country, some Kenyans have expressed concern over the safety of the dose among other queries regarding the vaccine.
Here are some things to know about the vaccine:
The rollout of the vaccine would be conducted in phases with a plan to vaccinate 15.8 million people which represents 30 percent of the population.
How will the vaccine be distributed?
The vaccines once cleared at the port will be transferred to Central Vaccines stores in Kitengela, and subsequently to the nine regional depots across the country. Other depots are in Nyeri, Meru, Nairobi, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kakamega, Kisumu and Garissa.
Who should take the vaccine?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) issued guidelines on the Astrazeneca Vaccine where it recommended it for persons with underlying issues which have been identified as increasing the risk of severe Covid-19, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and diabetes.
What if one already got infected with Covid?
Vaccination can be offered to people who have had Covid-19 in the past. But individuals may wish to defer their own Covid-19 vaccination for up to six months from the time of infection, to allow others who may need the vaccine more urgently to go first.
Who are not eligible for the vaccine in Kenya?
Minors (those under the age of 18) and people with allergies to chicken and eggs will not be eligible for the vaccine in Kenya.
What about Pregnant women?
For pregnant women, WHO states that they may receive the vaccine if the benefit of vaccinating a pregnant woman outweighs the potential vaccine risks.
However, Health PS Susan Mochache in an interview noted that pregnant women would not be eligible for the vaccine.
Is the vaccine safe for breastfeeding women?
Vaccination can be offered to breastfeeding women if they are part of a group prioritized for vaccination. WHO does not recommend discontinuation of breastfeeding after vaccination.
How is the dose administered?
The vaccine is administered in two doses given with an interval of 8 to 12 weeks.
Vaccine efficacy of 76% (CI: 59% to 86%) after a first dose, with protection, maintained to the second dose. With an inter-dose interval of 12 weeks or more, vaccine efficacy increased to 82% (CI: 63%, 92%).
Are there any side effects of taking the vaccine?
Most people experience at least one common post-vaccine symptom which are: Tenderness, pain, warmth, redness, itching, swelling or bruising where the injection is given, Generally feeling unwell, Feeling tired (fatigue), Chills or feeling feverish, Headache, Nausea, Joint pain
Will the Vaccine cause paralysis or infertility?
There are myths that have been peddled about the vaccine but experts have stated that the Vaccine will not cause paralysis, infertility and will not change your DNA.
