Ipswich under 40s explain how AstraZeneca vaccine made them feel, side effects

‘People need to know the risk isn’t as bad as the media has made it sound.’

The first person to be vaccinated for COVID-19 at Ipswich Hospital was Infection Prevention Clinical NurseConsultant Monica Prior.

Ipswich is lagging behind other parts of Queensland in the race to become fully-vaccinated against Covid-19.

At least 11 per cent of Ipswich locals have received their Covid vaccine so far, according to the latest Queensland Health data.

Though the number does not include vaccines administered privately or by the Australian Government in aged care and disability facilities, the region falls well below the state’s average.

Nearly 20 per cent of Queenslanders are vaccinated.

On Thursday, 387 people were vaccinated across the West Moreton, bringing the region’s total to 27,045.

Plenty of Ipswich locals under 40 say they have received the AstraZeneca vaccine with no side effects.

Karalee schoolteacher Steve Czapracki, 38, said he received his second jab at Health Matters Karalee in June.

He said the side effects were almost non-existent.

“After the first one, (I experienced) zero side effects and after the second it felt like I had a head cold for about three days,” Mr Czapracki said.

“Nothing too bad though.”

He received his first dose in March due to health issues.

“I would much prefer to be vaccinated and feel like poop for a bit and then not be (at risk),” he said.

Pine Mountain travel enthusiast Brendan McCauley, 37, said he was eager to be vaccinated so he could travel to Fiji.

“I am wanting to travel overseas – I was meant to be in Fiji last Christmas and don’t think we will get there this Christmas either,” Mr McCauley said.

He received his second AstraZeneca dose at the end of June.

Used to receiving his annual flu vaccine, Mr McCauley wasn’t afraid of the jab’s side effects.

“I wasn’t expecting it to be too bad,” he said.

“I have flu shot every year without issues.”

The reality involved no surprises.

“I got chills and a fever about eight hours after my first shot and it was gone by the next morning,” he said.

“After the second shot, I had no issues at all.

“People need to know the risk isn’t as bad as the media has made it sound.”

West Moreton Health Chief Operating Officer Matthew Tallis said locals had been following directions to get tested.

“In three days, almost 800 people were tested at the Court Street Fever Clinic, including a record 320 tests on Monday,” Mr Tallis said.

“Our fever clinic staff are doing an outstanding job responding to the increased demand for testing and should be commended for their efforts to keep the community safe through increased testing.”

Opening hours at the Court Street Fever Clinic have been extended until Friday from 8am to 6.30pm.

“Residents presenting to the Court Street Fever Clinic should wear their mask and bring water, snacks and a hat as wait times will fluctuate across the day due to demand,” Mr Tallis said.

“Staff have remarked how respectful and good humoured people in the community are when they arrive, showing patience when the queue extends and turning up with a smile.”

Testing options include:

· QML Pathology pop-up drive through clinic, Raceview Hockey Grounds, 65 Briggs Rd

8am to 4pm until Friday 6 August

No appointment needed

Note: For safety reasons, people on foot or on motorbikes will not be accepted. During periods of high winds or rain, the clinic will temporarily close. Extra traffic is expected in the area so please expect some delays.

· Mater Private Hospital Springfield, Health Care Dr, Springfield Central

8am to 4pm until Friday 6 August

No appointments needed

Note: minimal wait times reported.

· Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology are also offering testing at a range of clinics in West Moreton, with sites updated daily on their website here.

· GP Respiratory Clinics at Flinders Peak GP Respiratory and Vaccine Clinic (07 5464 6765), Kambu GP Respiratory and Vaccine Clinic (0408 699 432) and Health Matters Karalee GP Respiratory and Vaccine Clinic (07 3812 3133) are available with a booking.

Read more news by Ebony Graveurhere.