The COVID-19 pandemic has opened our eyes to the importance of investing our time into science knowledge whether we like it or not! As a Biotechnology student studying at University of Leeds, I was eager to get back to lab work, learn more about viruses, and contribute somehow to this pandemic. Unfortunately, all classes were online including our lab module in which our practicals were cancelled. This particularly made lockdown even more difficult, as Leeds was under Tier 3 restrictions.

Although walks with my friends helped majorly; I couldn’t help but use my Instagram platform to raise awareness and inform people about coronavirus and other biotech-related topics. From the perspective of a student in this field, I ensure on delivering unbiased information as well as answering questions, and encouraging people to ask and learn rather than blindly following.

Keeping on top of the coronavirus news, or shall I say, reading accredited scientific news and papers, was an essential routine for me every day. I believe the only way to learn is by asking questions, and like many others I also had questions about the vaccine. The difference is that people are asking the wrong questions. I have had people ask ‘why not take the other vaccine,’ whichever it is, (based on stereotyping where the vaccine was manufactured). This mentality would just hold society back and influence many people to feed on the same idea. I encourage people to ask more questions like what are the different technologies used? What evidence debunks this rumor? Are there any tests I should do before taking the vaccine? Regarding this question specifically, Yes!

Seeing a trusted GP is very important as they would perform a few tests to see if you’re eligible to take the vaccine. They would consider testing your antibody levels if you’ve had Covid previously, test if you’re pregnant or carry a severe history of medical allergy, and more. Another misconception is that people are waiting on a vaccine that is 100% efficient which is rather impossible, for now. 

Personally, I had a year of university wasted online and struggled with traveling restrictions; I was worried I might infect people unintentionally, considering asymptomatic infections are wide common. Hence, I decided to take the Sinopharm vaccine (available in Abu Dhabi) set as 2 doses with 21 days apart at the SEHA COVID-19 Vaccination Centre. It was very well organized and quite fast as I only needed my valid Emirates ID and I walked in without an appointment. Hospitals that provide the vaccine, however, would request you to book an appointment.

I hate to burst your bubble, but this pandemic will surely happen again and could be more difficult to battle as viruses mutate easily. Nevertheless, it is a lesson for us to reconsider our lifestyles and goals and for our countries to be extra prepared next time.