Another Filipino based in the UAE has shared her experience as one of the volunteers for the Phase 3 of the clinical trial for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) inactivated vaccine in the UAE.
Gara Lajara, a 33-year-old assistant teacher in Abu Dhabi, said that she has decided to take part in the clinical trial because she believes in the efficacy of the vaccine in keeping her and her students safe.
“I want to make sure that I am protected from the virus and I want my students to be in safe hands. Also, this is my contribution to the safety of the community,” she said.
She also said that she is confident about the UAE’s initiative against COVID-19, from the strict measures down to this vaccine mission.
“I feel safe and protected living in this country even though I am an expat. The UAE government has taken strict measures and precautions against COVID-19 to protect all the residents,” noted Lajara.
She also laid down the step-by-step guide on how to volunteer for the said trial:
1. To register, visit www.4humanity.ae or go straight to the center Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (walk-in registration)
2. Once inside the building, your Emirates ID will be asked for registration. You will then be given the manual about the procedure.
3. The staff will take/ask the following:
– your vital signs
– your allergies or if you have a pre-existing health condition
– urine/pregnancy test
– blood test
– swab test
4. You will then be given the vaccine
“After the shot, they will bring you to the observation room for 30 minutes for monitoring. If everything is normal, you will be asked to go home,” she said.
Lajara added that she was provided a Vaccination Diary Card where she will log her temperature, as well as check if she develops skin rashes, respiratory or general symptoms.
The nurse, she said, called her every day to check if there are changes or irregularities in her body.
“As of now, okay naman ako. Wala akong nararamdamang kakaiba. I feel healthy,” added Lajara.
The Filipina also commended the UAE on this newest undertaking against the virus, and hopes that the world follows suit in order to finally kick the virus to the curb.
“The UAE government has never stopped progressing in its battle against this virus. With the World’s First Phase III Clinical Trial Inactivated Vaccine in UAE, I hope the Philippines will follow soon. This mission is absolutely inspiring for other countries,” she said.
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