My vaccine experience

Our Chairman's experience, Colleen Elliott

Given the onset of cold winter weather and the risk that brings of covid spreading more easily, I was relieved to get my vaccine. The experience was not painful and very efficiently managed by knowledgeable and caring health workers.

Our Principal Officers' experience, Fiona Robertson

To vaccinate or not to vaccinate was the question, albeit a rhetorical one. It is a personal choice, but I felt I had to vaccinate. Our country has to get back on track, our people need to work, families are desperate to freely gather again, children can't lose out on more schooling. In fact, we all need to get all our lives back to normal. I believe I have a responsibility to help put an end to unnecessary deaths and heartache. The queues were long and slow but, when one reached the front, the process was incredibly well organised by a wonderful team, many of whom were volunteers and the positive spirit was nothing short of "infectious".

I for one suffered no side effects other than a somewhat painful injection site. Others did report some effects varying from tiredness and runny noses to a few days of feeling quite "fluey". But here we are to tell the tale. Do I feel better protected? - most definitely YES, although I still continue to "mask-up".

I do know that the vaccine does not prevent me from possibly getting Covid-19, but I have a reasonable assurance that I won't be hospitalised and, with luck, will not be nearly as infectious if I become infected. Can I return to a normal life? - not quite yet, but with each vaccination administered around the country, I know we are all one small step closer to reaching herd immunity and freedom. I hope you will all have similar positive experiences and views on the matter.

Vaccination experience from one of our members:

"As an 86-year-old Anglo Medical Scheme member (I am a widow who was married to an Anglo/de Beers pensioner), I have nothing but praise for the administration in our area of Waterfall, KZN. Everything was well-planned, with ample parking as the whole basement of our Watercrest Mall shopping centre was available, chairs were arranged in rows for those who awaited their turn for inoculation, the professional staff administering the injections were courteous and swift and then we could happily wend our way home. Hats off to the organisers!! And thank you to all who were involved in the seamless organisation."

What was your experience?

We know that many of us are still waiting to get their vaccine, some are not even eligible yet. While some people are very eager, others still need some encouragement.

If you have had your vaccine already and would like to share your experience, email member@angloms.co.za and use "My vaccine" as the subject. This will help us to learn from the things that can be improved or appreciate what went well. Your response might just answer another member's question.

Published: June 2021.