Covid-19 vaccination in Nairobi: What to expect

Are you yet to get the Covid-19 vaccination in Nairobi? You are not alone.

Having administered over 3 million vaccines so far at a rate of 20,555 doses a day, the government is hopeful that more Kenyans will voluntarily go for a jab.

This article will tell you what to expect when you go for the Covid-19 vaccination.

Questions people have about the Covid-19 vaccination

Majority of people have shied away from the Covid-19 vaccination exercise because of the fears they have. Some of the questions you may have include:

What are the Covid-19 side effects?

Initially, there were reports that the Covid-19 vaccine was causing blood clots. Health experts have admitted that there could be rare cases of blood clots among recipients of AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson/Jassen vaccines, even though different vaccines produce different effects among different people. While majority of people we spoke to reported no side effects at all, some have had mild to moderate symptoms after receiving the jab. According to the World Health Organisation, some of the side effects to expect from the Covid-19 jab include headache, diarrhea, fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills, and pain at the injection site.

How long should I wait before getting the next Covid-19 dose?

The number of Covid-19 doses you receive depend on the vaccine you get. The type of vaccine will also determine how long you should wait before going for the next dose. For Johnson & Johnson, you only need a single dose. For the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, you will need two doses administered 21 days apart. Lastly, the Moderna vaccine is administered in two doses 28 days apart.

Will I conceive after getting the Covid-19 vaccination?

Pregnant mothers and those planning to get a baby may be wondering if the vaccine will harm their unborn babies. Research shows that Covid-19 symptoms could be severe among pregnant people than in non-pregnant people. Therefore, it is important to get vaccinated immediately to protect yourself as the jab does not affect your unborn baby or fertility. The Covid-19 vaccine is safe for anybody above the age of 12, including pregnant and nursing mothers, as well as those planning to get pregnant in the future.

How much does the Covid-19 vaccine cost?

Currently, the Kenyan government is offering the vaccine for free. Everyone who is not suffering from Covid-19 symptoms or allergic to anaphylaxis to the ingredients of the vaccines can get vaccinated.

What to expect during the Covid-19 vaccination process

If you are planning to go for the Covid jab, you need to follow the following steps:

1. Register yourself with the Ministry of Health.Visit the health ministry Covid-19 self-service portal and provide details such as name, gender, date of birth, country of origin, identification number (passport, birth certificate, alien ID, military ID), occupation, religion, your email address and phone number plus those of the next of kin name, residence (county, sub-county, and ward), allergies and preexisting conditions (asthma, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, down syndrome, heart conditions, obesity, sickle cell disease, hypertension, HIV, and liver disease).
2. Book for the Covid-19 vaccination online.Not all Covid-19 vaccination centers in Nairobi have an online booking portal. However, if you plan to get your jab in the following hospitals, you need to book early through their online portal:
   • Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi – www.aku.edu/akuhn
   • Avenue Healthcare – https://calendly.com/avenuecovidvaccine
   • Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital – https://www.gerties.org/covid19vaccination/
   • P. Shah Hospital – https://nairobi-mp-shah-hospital.oneapp.life/kiosk/appointment
   • The Karen Hospital – https://www.karenhospital.org/covid-19-vaccination-booking/
   • The Mater Hospital – https://www.materkenya.com/vaccination
   • The Nairobi Hospital – https://tnhlab.org/vaccination

   If getting your jab from a different Covid-19 vaccination centre, ensure you get there early as the jabs are administered between 8.00 am and 12.00 pm.

3. Get your first Covid-19 dose.Once you arrive at the Covid-19 vaccination centre in Nairobi, you will be required to provide your ID number. The doctors will check if you have already registered with the ministry of health, verify your details then clear you for the jab. You will receive an SMS notification with details of the jab you are about to receive, and the date for the next dose if applicable. You are now free to receive your first Covid-19 dose, which will take only a second.
4. Go home and monitor your symptoms.Most people will experience headaches, pain on the site of the injection, nausea or vomiting. These symptoms will last between 1 and 3 days. Some people do not experience any reaction at all. If you experience severe symptoms, consult a doctor. In order to reduce Covid-19 vaccine side effects, follow these tips:
   • Get plenty of rest especially the night before getting vaccinated.
   • Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated for at least 2 days post-vaccination
   • Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
   • Remain active and especially move the injected arm and shoulder
5. Get the second dose.
6. Visit the ministry of health portal and print your Covid-19 vaccination certificate.

Have you received your Covid-19 vaccination? If not, what is keeping you? If yes, how was your experience? Share with others in the comments section.