BAU: The arrival of the Pfizer-BioNtech Covid-19 vaccine on Feb 24 was a momentous moment in the fight against the deadly virus in Sarawak.
On Feb 23, colleagues Jacklin Somi, 32, and Steve Chung, 51, volunteered for the clinical trial of the vaccine at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH).
“I was excited but at the same time, I was also scared because we have to do the swab test before the vaccination. I was glad the swab test went well,” said Jacklin.
“Around 4pm, I received the first jab of the vaccine. I was a bit nervous but it was fine after that,” added the 32-year-old.
For Steve, he was not nervous at all because he really wanted to volunteer for the clinical trial. He said that he felt good after the first jab and felt no pain at all.
“Personally I feel very good after the jab and I am happy. There is no pain at all, everything is fine. I talked to my friends, my colleagues and my schoolmates about my experience, so I am really pleased to have taken part of the clinical trial.”
Jacklin explained that she and Steve, after the first vaccination jab, were put in a room to be observed by health workers for any side effects.
“After being monitored, we were allowed to go home. They gave us cards to record anything that happened after the vaccination. So far, for me, everything is good for two days.”
When asked about the negative comments on the vaccine, Steve said the vaccine had already proven to be working because of scientific research.
“The vaccine has already been proven through scientific research. I mean, there are different kind of vaccines for different viruses already exist in the world.
“Even when we were young or still babies, we have been given vaccination ever since to make sure we are healthy.
“Covid-19 is a new virus, so there is no vaccine for this kind of virus before. Everything has been researched and proven through many clinical trials. I believe in science and research when it comes to health. This is the only way to prove it,” he continued.
Jacklin said the reason she volunteered for the clinical trial was to prove that the vaccine was fine and working.
“I want people to think positive about the vaccine because it is for our health. If we all do not take the vaccine, the situation right now will never end.”
Steve added: “If we all take the vaccine, then we can eradicate this virus and get out of this situation quickly. I urge people to keep calm and listen to the experts.”
