My Vaccine Story

We speak to four Hillingdon residents about their vaccine experiences in English, Bengali, Punjabi, Gujarati and Somali.
Healthwatch Hillingdon & NorthWest London Clinical Commissioning Group - My Vaccine Story

Working with North West London Clinical Commissioning Group, Healthwatch Hillingdon conducted four interviews with residents following their COVID-19 vaccinations, to found out more about their experiences, and gain feedback about the process. Below are the videos.

Interview 1

Meera (English and Bengali)

Interview 2

Mr. Kaler, interviewed by Dr.Nasir in Punjabi

English Translation

  1. Did you have any concerns about being vaccinated? - None whatsoever, since the pandemic started COVID-19 cases were rising daily and also the deaths associated COVID-19. When I heard that pharmaceutical companies worldwide were developing a vaccine for COVID-19, this was excellent news and I was thrilled when the vaccination was developed.
  2. How were you contacted to book your appointed vaccine and were you happy with the booking process? - I was contacted by my medical centre by text message. I was given details of the vaccination date, time and the address of the vaccination centre. This was followed by a phone call confirming the details. I was very happy with the booking process as it was simple and straightforward.
  3. (Questions 3,4 & 5 are combined) Were you given enough information on the day about the vaccine? - I was well informed on the day of the vaccine. I was advised to wear a mask and to ensure we all carried out social distancing by keeping 2 metres apart. 
  4. (Questions 3,4 & 5 are combined) How did you find the actual vaccine vaccination process? - Before entering the vaccination centre my temperature was taken and I was given hand sanitiser. When called at reception they checked my name, address and date of birth. I was then sent to the waiting room and an advisor saw me who checked my medical records. They asked me if I had any allergies and sent me to the vaccination area. When I was vaccinated I was told the name of the vaccine and given a card with the date and the name of the vaccine. I was asked to wait in a resting area for 15 minutes before I went home to ensure there was no immediate side-effects.
  5. (Questions 3,4 & 5 are combined) How was the after-care advice once you received the vaccine? - I was advised that I may suffer from a temperature, tiredness or sore arm. I was assured that this would only be temporary for a couple of days and advised to take paracetamol if needed. In case of severe side-effects I was advised to ring the NHS emergency helpline which is 111. All the after-care dentals was provided in a leaflet which was given at the end of the vaccine.
  6. Did you have any symptoms or side-effects on the day you got the vaccine? - I had no side-effects on the day of the vaccine.
  7. Do you have any symptoms or side-effects a week after being vaccinated? - I had no side-effects a week after the vaccine.
  8. Would you recommend others to take the vaccine, and why? - I would definitely recommend others to take the vaccine. This vaccine was developed after a lot of research and clinical testing before being brought out. Since the vaccines have been introduced hospital admissions and hospital deaths dramatically reduced. The side-effects also reported are very minimal. Therefore I have no hesitation in recommending this vaccine.
  9. Do you have any concerns about the waiting period for your next vaccine? - I do not have any concerns about the waiting period for the next vaccine. It takes about 2 to 3 weeks for the first vaccine to be fully effective and when the second vaccine is given the immunity is increased greatly. 
  10. Overall how do you feel about the whole vaccination experience? (Follow-up question – is there anything you would like to say to those watching/listening?) - Overall I feel like the entire vaccination process has been very well thought out. I do commend the researchers, medical centres, vaccination team and volunteers who took the time out to ensure this process would be both effective and efficient.
  11. Is there anything you would like to say to the vaccination team? - I am very grateful towards the vaccination team. The whole vaccination process was very well organised and thought out. Many thanks and please keep up the good work.

Interview 3 

Mohamed, interviewed by Dr. Nathoo in Gujarati

Interview 4

Nado, interviewed by Dr. Mohamed in Somali

English Translation

  1. Did you have any concerns about being vaccinated? - I have no concerns although there was a rumour and disinformation around it, I was vaccinated and have no problems.
  2. How were you contacted to book your appointed vaccine and were you happy with the booking process? - I was called and asked if was interested to be vaccinated, I said yes, I contacted the practice and booked my first jab with ease.
  3. Were you given enough information on the day about the vaccine? - Yes, I'm satisfied.
  4. How did you find the actual vaccine vaccination process? - I went through 3 steps ...registrations at the door, health questioning with staff and was given my jab. It was a straight forward process.
  5. Have you been informed about possible side effects after your vaccination? - Yes via my granddaughter, and I was also informed and warned to report back if any concerns.
  6. Did you have any symptoms or side-effects after the vaccine? -  No.
  7. Would you recommend others to take the vaccine, and why? - Yes, it is for their health & wellbeing benefit, therefore it is important that everyone on us get vaccinated and protect them from this deadly virus.
  8. Do you have any concerns about the waiting period for your next vaccine? - Not at all, I have no problem waiting my turn for the second one.
  9. Overall how do you feel about the whole vaccination experience? I am delighted to get vaccinated and urge all to do so.
  10. What is your advice to the community? - Go and get vaccinated.