Why I got the COVID-19 vaccine
Kirsty, a 31-year-old health care assistant with severe asthma, shares her experience of getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
When COVID-19 broke out, I was in Australia on holiday and returned to find the UK in full lockdown. As I have severe asthma, I was advised to shield and so took some time out of my job as a health care assistant. As it happened, I ended up going back to the hospital 8 times but, unfortunately, as a patient. The last year has been really bad for my asthma and I’ve been put on long-term steroids to try to control it.
As a frontline NHS worker and someone who is classed as being clinically extremely vulnerable, I was offered the Pfizer/ BioNTech vaccine very early on, in mid-December.
I knew I needed to have the vaccine to protect myself, my family, and everyone I come into contact with.
Getting the COVID-19 vaccine
The vaccination team at the hospital were amazing. Before I had the jab, I was reviewed by a doctor who went through my medical history with me. Everyone made me feel completely at ease.
In terms of side effects, all I experienced was a bit of an achy arm and some tiredness. I just had my second dose and I didn’t experience any side effects afterward. I felt a huge relief at having been vaccinated against COVID-19.
I’m looking forward to life going back to normal
I’m a big fan of Ipswich Town Football Club and so not being able to go and watch their matches has been something I’ve really missed. I managed to get to one game but after I came back, I was contacted by track and trace and had to self-isolate! I look forward to the day when fans are allowed back into football stadiums.
Apart from my excitement about getting back to Portman Road, I’m looking forward to being able to see friends again once life goes back to normal. I feel more comfortable knowing that I’ve done everything I can to protect myself from COVID-19. I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders and I hope that many more people get vaccinated against coronavirus.
If you’ve got questions about the COVID-19 vaccine our sister charity, the British Lung Foundation, has the answers to questions you might have on their COVID-19 vaccine FAQs page. We’ve also got information on the help and support available across the UK if you’re shielding, isolating, or not leaving the house because of COVID-19.
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