By ZHAI Xingli

More than 100 volunteers in Wuhan have become the first to be injected with a possible vaccine for COVID-19 and have started a 14-day quarantine.

The volunteers are aged from 18 to 60, are in good health andhave been divided into three groups according to their dosage. One of them, Wuhan local Zhou Lianpu, got his shot on March 22. In a phone interview with Jiemian News, Zhou told us he felt good so far. 

Jiemian News: Why did you sign up for the trial?

Zhou: When Wuhan announced the lockdown, I volunteer to join the fight, but I didn’t make it. When I saw the recruitment notice for the vaccine, I immediately told my parents and girlfriend that I wanted to do it. 

People from all over the country sent supplies and doctors to Wuhan. I was born and raised in the city, and want to do my bit for society.

Jiemian News: Did anyone object your idea?

Zhou: My girlfriend didn’t want me to do it at first, but I have read a lot of papers on the virus. My conclusion is that the risk can be managed and I eventually convinced her too. 

Surprisingly, my parents didn’t say anything against it. I’m the only child in the family. “Is it dangerous?” they asked. I answered no. “Off you go then,” they said. 

On my way to get injection, the driver told me some volunteers hadn’t told their families, while others signed up despite having children to take care of. 

Jiemian News: How did you prepare yourself?

Zhou: I had coronavirus and HIV tests the day before. I also had my blood pressure checked and had an ECG. All results were good. On March 22, I had my blood glucose checked before the injection. 

Jiemian News: How did you feel when getting the shot?

Zhou: It was a normal shot, nothing special. The vaccine was stored in a fridge, but I didn’t feel cold when the needle touched me. The feeling might vary from person to person.

Jiemian News: Don’t you worry at all?

Zhou: I was calm. According to the papers I read, the vaccine was genetically engineered. I was informed of possible side effects before the injection and don’t worry much.

Jiemian News: Did anything interesting happen during the injection?

Zhou: Not really. The nurse told me not to worry, and I said: “Do I look worried?” The injection took about 30 seconds, as the nurse pushed the needle really slowly. I was wondering if she could do it more quickly because I was hungry - I hadn’t had any breakfast as I was required to do the glucose test on an empty stomach. 

I overheard two medics wrapped in protective gear. “I’m going after you, just you wait,” a female medic said to a male colleague. The man said: “How can you do that when you don’t even know what I look like?” They have been co-working for a month, yet she didn’t know what her partner looked like.

The woman came from a local hospital and the man was a doctor from another province. At first, I thought it was funny. Now I think it is sad that two people have been working together for a month but have never had the chance to see each other’s face because they have been wearing protective gear all the time.

Jiemian News: How’s quarantine going so far?

Zhou: The hotel room I was offered is neat and large. I have just spent one day in it, and I feel good. I’ve never stayed in such a big hotel room before. I got up early on March 23 and put things in order. I don’t clean my room much when I am home, but I have to do something to kill the time.

Jiemian News: Did you bring anything along with you to pass the time?

Zhou: I’m a teacher, so I brought my laptop with me. I still have to give online classes to my students.

I also brought a bottle of fragrance. I don’t wear cologne, but I think it’s better to keep the space smelling good in case someone comes in. 

Jiemian News: Have you talked to other volunteers? What did they say?

Zhou: We have a WeChat group for volunteers, but we don’t talk much about the vaccine. We mostly share stories about our lives or funny people we met at hospital. 

Jiemian News: Some volunteers experienced side effects after the injection, did you?

Zhou: No. I guess this also varies from person to person. I was told typical side effects include muscle soreness and loss of appetite. I haven’t experienced either so far, but I will keep watching myself.

Jiemian News: Do you call your family every day?

Zhou: I sure do. I talk to my parents and girlfriend every day. 

I think my girlfriend is a bit worried about me. She wants me to teach her to play video games which she never had any interest in before. I said I can’t do it while I’m quarantined, but she insisted. So, I played a game with her online. Of course, she has to be the winner.

Jiemian News: Do you have plans for after quarantine?

Zhou: I want to go travelling to Xinjiang when the pandemic is over. I have two good friends in Urumqi. China is vast, and I want to take a good look of it.