My COVID Vaccine Experience: I was surprised to see that a single vial was used for many people

Having recovered from COVID, Tanwir Shihab got himself vaccinated. He experienced mild side effects, which went away without any need for medication. Here’s his COVID vaccine experience A month after recuperating from COVID infection and completing my home quarantine, I thought about getting myself vaccinated. I filled-up the information sought by the Co-win portal and entered my Aadhar number for identification purpose. After selecting the state and district, the software prompted me to select the hospital and timing. A list of hospitals with available dates around my residence was shown on the screen. I selected Fortis Escorts Hospital, Okhla, New Delhi. A message was received on my registered mobile informing regarding the confirmation of the schedule which was 9 to 11 AM on the 13th March 2021. I reached the hospital at 8.30 AM alongwith my daughter. There were 9 to 10 people sitting comfortably on garden chairs under shade. Each of us was handed-over number slips by the attendant. About 10 minute later, I was called into a room. The dealing assistant confirmed my appointment by verifying the particulars against my mobile number. An amount of Rs.250/- as innoculation fee was charged. I was directed to another table where I was photographed. Thereafter, I moved to the third table where a nurse was sitting. She was quite helpful and friendly. She informed that Covidshield vaccination will be administered. In less than 5 minutes, the task was completed painlessly.But I was surprised to note that a single vial was used for a number of people. The syringe was, however, disposable. After this we were ushered into another well furnished room and directed to wait for 30 minutes which was for monitoring purposes. A computer generated certificate of vaccination done successfully was provided. As the monitoring period was uneventful I was asked to leave. I was advised to take paracetamol in case I had fever. I was also directed to get 2nd dose vaccination on the 10th April which I have delayed and hope to visit the hospital after seven weeks interval.After a while reaching the home, I started feeling feverish and a bit of mild headache but I didn’t take any medicine. By evening or the next morning, I felt okay. Since then I am alright. I plan to revisit the Co-win portal and reschedule my next dose of Covidshield vaccination in the last week of April.Also See: How To Take Covid VaccineDid you get the COVID-19 vaccine? If yes, you can share your experience with us.Write to us at toi.health1@gmail.com with ‘My COVID vaccine experience’ in the subject lineWe will publish your experience.DISCLAIMERThe views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Please consult your treating physician for more details.