Friday, March 19, 2021
It is my Dad’s birthday.
It’s also the day I decided to take the COVID-19 vaccine. I wake up early as usual and go through the motions.
- Affirmations
- Prayer
- Personal reading
- Exercise
I join in the family ‘Happy Birthday’ rendition to my old man and go to have my bath.
The water is colder than I anticipated and as it hits my body, I think about Canada. It is too late to heat up water now. Besides, the idea of Canada makes everything better. Suddenly, I don’t even need hot water. What is cold water compared to snow?
I go out dressed very simply in a t-shirt, jeans, and my glasses. Making it to the Primary Health Centre is easy. I walk up to one of the workers there and ask about the process. I was unsuccessful in filling the online form, and I had heard that I could do a walk-in registration and take the vaccine. My information turns out to be correct, so I join the queue.
It is soon my turn to take the vaccine.
“Have you eaten?” the nurse administering the vaccine asks.
“Yes, I have,” thinking about the nice jollof rice I ate before leaving home. (Yes, longer throat. I did not share that part earlier)
I move forward, reminding myself that I am a doctor and I cannot fall my own hand. Hippocrates, the ‘father of medicine’ will not forgive me.
I also don’t want to end up on social media. I can see the headlines already.
“Nigerian doctor cries because of small injection”
“COVID-19 Jab Makes Docki Break Down In Tears”
I really don’t like needles, so I know it won’t be easy. It’s much easier being on the other end of an injection. I put on my hard guy face because after all, the needle is tiny.
I give my phone to someone to help me record the moment I get the jab.
When the cold sensation from the alcohol swab hits my skin, I realize things just got real.
“Omo, see how sharp the needle is,” I think to myself as the needle advances.
I keep quiet and let the nurse give me the jab. It is over quickly and I sit down for observation. After getting a vaccination, everyone waits for 15-30 minutes to see if there will be any acute adverse reaction.
Fifteen minutes later, I am released.
On my way home, I keep observing my body for any strange signs. Nothing happens.
I don’t feel connected to a worldwide web of zombies. I still feel human.
I open my laptop once I get home, hoping to hear Bill Gates’ voice, or feel connected to the device. I am met with the stony silence of proper science. The WhatsApp Broadcasts lied.
Anyway, I will keep monitoring. I want to get into The Matrix.
Apart from headache, chills and weakness on the second day after vaccination, I feel nothing else.
The vaccine is no Red or Blue pill.
