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Walter
KOTA KINABALU: When the United Arab Emirates (UAE) began offering free testing of the Covid-19 vaccine, a 35-year-old specialty chef from Sabahan took the opportunity to be among those who volunteered.
Walter Dee Joseph, a native of Kampung Paung Membakut, has been working in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, for 12 years.
Abu Dhabi announced the launch of the world’s first phase III trials of an inactivated vaccine against Covid-19 in July this year.
The vaccine, Sinopharm, was developed by China with 86% efficacy (announced by the developer).
Relating his experience, Walter said: “The whole process took about 45 minutes; I volunteered for the vaccine, which started with the first shot at SK Medical Center Abu Dhabi on October 28 at 12.30pm.
“At the counter, a receptionist asked me to see my Emirates ID, and he entered my details on his computer. I was jubilant and thanked him and his colleagues for helping us throw the jab. He then asked me to electronically sign a form on a tab. Then they gave me a bracelet that had my personal information on it.
“Then a nurse called me inside the clinic room to check my blood pressure, pulse, weight and height, and asked me some questions about my health, allergies and if I had any diseases. After that, I met the doctor, who explained everything about the vaccine to me. He answered all my inquiries.
“I finally got the vaccine and went to an observation room. Another nurse checked my pulse and blood pressure before I left the scene.
“So far no side effects have been felt, just overwhelmed by a heightened sense that we are seeing the light at the end of this dark tunnel called a pandemic,” Walter said in sharing his story with The Borneo Post.
He is probably the first Sabahan in the world to receive the Sinopharm vaccine.
According to him, his initial reaction was to see if he was mentally and physically prepared enough before taking this vaccine.
With no reactions after the first dose, she completed the vaccine with the second and last dose 21 days later.
After completing the vaccine, Walter said he received mixed reactions from family and friends around the world, including loved ones at home.
The most common question, he said, was whether the vaccine was from Pfizer or was it the Chinese vaccine.
“I feel that Malays and Sabahans at home are eager to see the end of this pandemic and many are eager to get the Covid-19 vaccine.
“I hope the vaccine will be available to them soon as well. We should not play with the virus. It is a game of life and death. And we must play the game for life, and vaccination is part of that.
“I personally thank the government of the United Arab Emirates and also the medical staff in Abu Dhabi for the opportunity,” he added.
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