Me, the vaccine and Putin’s girl
WHAT do I have in common with one of Vladimir Putin’s daughters? Answer: I’ve had the coronavirus vaccine. Not the Russian version but the Imperial College one currently undergoing trials at Southampton University. I am a guinea pig. Like Ms Putin I feel absolutely fine. Thanks for asking.
Having submitted an application weeks ago I’d almost given up hoping that I’d be picked. But then I received an email asking me to go for an initial screening. Whoop! whoop! I know, it’s not everyone’s idea of fun but I’ve always been a bit of a geek.
The trials are being held in the university sports hall, a space big enough for social distancing to take place.
I was weighed, measured, had my temperature and blood pressure taken and asked various questions about my state of health. I was also tested for HIV, hepatitis C and pregnancy.
In fact, people kept asking me delicately if I could possibly be pregnant,
‘I was given a tape to measure the size of swelling’
which I found slightly hilarious. Surely they could see from the notes how old I was.
I was also asked to confirm that I could commit to taking part, as participants must keep returning for checks over the course of a year.
Having passed the screening process I went back for my jab last Tuesday. It was a sweltering hot day and even the airy sports hall was pretty warm. The medics in their blue rubber gloves, masks and plastic aprons were feeling the heat, often using the extensive paperwork to fan themselves.
Each participant was assigned a “chaperone” who took you through the process, which meant you weren’t left sitting on your hands wondering what happens next.
Again I was checked over (no, still not pregnant) and had the momentous vaccine. Up to the very last moment they give you the chance to back out if you get a sudden attack of nerves.
Afterwards, I was asked to wait for an hour before leaving in case there were any adverse effects. There weren’t. I will be telephoned regularly, go back this week for follow-up and receive another jab in a month’s time.
BBC cameras were filming for the local news. And I sensed that those running the trial are deeply frustrated by reports that so many members of the public would refuse to have the vaccine when and if it is available.
For my part I feel privileged and excited to be taking part in something so important and historic. This massive effort has been organised with such speed, rigour and efficiency that I know I’m in very safe hands.
We’re all asked to fill in a daily online diary charting reactions – temperature, fluey symptoms etc. I was even given a tape measure to gauge the size of any swelling or redness on my arm where the injection was.
At the time of writing I can’t even see where the needle went in.