First-hand account of Covid-19 vaccination: Jab was painless and I’m perfectly fine

I took the first shot of the vaccine today at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU).

The jab was painless and I felt okay afterwards, although I was advised to wait for half an hour before leaving the facility to make extra sure that there were no adverse side effects.

I am perfectly fine.

There is an unfounded fear-mongering even among educated people who should know better about the quality and side-effects of the vaccine.

All available information about the efficacy of the Oxford-Astrazeneca vaccine can be found from the internet. I have got messages today from two senior academic colleagues in England who got their first shot of this vaccine yesterday and are doing fine.

People should know that the Indian company Serum Institute of India is producing this vaccine under the patent right of Oxford-Astrazeneca, so there should be no doubt about the authenticity of the quality of this vaccine.

Bangladesh seems to have done remarkably well in procuring the vaccine and in setting up the infrastructure of administering it. The only unknown element about this vaccine is about the extent and length of immunity it provides, and whether it is less effective in protecting people above 65.

Countries like India and the UK are not waiting for such trial results in launching their full-scale vaccination programmes.

People should be told that the protection from the first dose starts after about 12 days. Even after two doses, there is no full protection. So, observing Covid-19 hygiene should remain as part of the new normal.

Wahiduddin Mahmud is a renowned economist