My experience of taking the Covid-19 vaccine

After waiting for 12 months for that miracle, it finally happened. On December 8, 2020, a grandmother in the UK was given the first Covid-19 vaccine shot. After wreaking havoc in the world not experienced since the second World War, there was a ray of hope that life would finally go back to normal.

In Bangladesh, the first case of Covid-19 was identified on March 8, 2020. As rates of infection and deaths increased, the government ordered a complete lockdown including closure of schools, businesses, offices etc. Bangladesh was miraculously spared the worst of the outbreak. By February 2021, we had seven lakh infections and 8,500 deaths.

News of the availability of the AstaZeneca vaccine was greeted with joy mixed with apprehension. It was declared that mass inoculation will start from February 7.  Meanwhile, the vaccine was transported to all 64 districts and over 6,000 health workers were trained to administer it.

I registered on February 2 to get the vaccine, and immediately received an OTP number on my mobile phone. On February 9, I was informed that my shot will be given at the Kurmitola General Hospital, and was instructed to go there with my National ID and the "Tika Card" which was also sent to me on my phone.

As instructed, I reached the hospital at 9:06am, and to my dismay found a huge crowd of people waiting in queues outside the main building. However, the line was moving fast and I reached the table in 10 minutes, where a very polite young woman was checking papers. It took about five more minutes to find my serial number, which she wrote down on the Tika Card and asked me to sign with the date.

I was directed to a very large hall at 9:20am, and once inside, my paper was taken and I was asked to sit on one of the yellow chairs. I noticed that the chairs were of different colors and people were sitting as per gender, age and those who have already received the shot.

The entire atmosphere was welcoming, almost festive. Young people, men and women were running around responding to all kinds of questions ranging from will it hurt or where should I sit, how long will it take etc. I was amazed at the patience and pleasant behaviour of the volunteers.

My name was called out at 9:27am. I went forward, a little nervously not knowing what to expect. Again a kind, pleasant nurse asked me to sit down and reassured me that there is nothing to be scared about. She also informed me about arrangements available in case of adverse reaction to the shot. I extended my arm with confidence and it was over in a few seconds! I was asked to go back to my seat and rest for 30 minutes.

I sat back and reflected over my experience. As I looked around my heart filled with pride. Isn't this the kind of society we want to build? Where everyone would be treated with respect and dignity. A system that does not require one to be a VIP to get quality services. I stood in line with drivers, housemaids, officers and homemakers. People came in cars, in CNG's or even walked, but all stood in one line and were required to follow the same rule.

I returned home feeling elated, and with a hope that the positive vaccine experience will continue in every aspect of our public lives, because the system is capable of delivering the best service to everyone. All we need is commitment from the top and accountability established at every level.

The writer is Executive Director of Manusher Jonno Foundation.