Two women from Tsakane: Matsediso Lengosane and Motshabi Mcoco tell the newspaper about their overall experience regarding the COVID-19 vaccine that they had two days ago.
According to Google, the South African government and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, getting a vaccine is advisable and has benefits. COVID-19 vaccines were developed using science that has been around for decades. The vaccines are said not to be experimental and have gone through all the required stages of clinical trials. Extensive testing and monitoring have shown that these vaccines are safe and effective. COVID 19-vaccines are effective and they can keep you from getting and spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. The vaccines also help keep you from getting seriously ill even if you do get COVID-19. Getting vaccinated yourself may also protect people around you, particularly people at increased risk for severe illnesses from COVID-19.
Matsediso Lengosane, a 49-year-old teacher says that her journey of vaccination was not smooth but had to be done. “I fear needles so bad and I try by all means to avoid them but I understand that I had to be vaccinated. As a teacher, I work with so many learners and our staff members are nearly 50 if I’m not mistaken. That alone means that I’m exposed to so many people and puts my health at risk. Our school staff members were given a date to go and vaccinate at Phuthanang clinic. The vaccine made me feel dizzy and I had muscle pain but I felt better after a nap. I’m glad I took it and I believe it was worth it,” added Lengosane.
Motshabi Mcoco, a 60-year-old who also had a shot of the vaccine mentions how side effects took a toll on her. “I thought I was coming up with flu but there’s a nurse that stays around my neighbourhood, she advised me that it’s a fever and it’s a normal side effect. I also experienced headaches from time to time, muscle pains and I was just tired and had no energy for anything. However, after two days I was completely fine. I remembered that we were told at counselling before getting the shots that we would have side effects and if the side effects had persisted, I would have gone to get medical help,” expressed a Mcoco.
By Palesa Ndinisa
