PETALING JAYA, June 19 — The Olympic-bound shuttlers were feeling some mild effects after receiving their yellow fever vaccination by the National Sports Institute on Friday for prevention of the Zika outbreak, which has plagued host Brazil and spread to the other parts of Asia, including Indonesia and Singapore.

The Zika virus is spread to people primarily bitten by the Aedes mosquito and symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivits (red eyes).  The virus can also spread from a pregnant women to her fetus.

The vaccination’s side effects include fever, mild headaches and general discomfort.

Men’s singles Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin and Chan Peng Soon were among the ones to feel the effects of the vacinnation.

“I feel quite ill after the jab, but it’s normal and I’m glad we are now better protected against the virus,” said mixed doubles player Peng Soon, who will head to the Taiwan Open (Jun 28-July 3) with Liu Ying.

“I don’t think it will be a problem for us. Now that we have got the vaccination, the risk is lower when we head to the Olympics,” he said.

National singles coach, Hendrawan who did suffer any side effects from the shot said the 24 shuttlers and officials who got the vaccination were warned of short-lived side effects.

“We were told this is normal. Our bodies will take time to adjust to the effects of the shot, and some adapt better than others,” said Hendrawan, who added the side effects could last up to 72 hours.

Doubles coach Jeremy Gan, who also had the vaccination said it would not affect the shuttlers’ preparation for the Olympics.

“The doubles shuttlers are preparing well and we are focusing on our strategies. Those who are not feeling well should rest until they feel better,” said Jeremy.

Menwhile, BA of Malaysia technical director Morten Frost said training would continue tomorrow without any interruption.

Besides the vaccine, shuttlers would also be provided with mosquito repellent and sleeping nets during the Games.

The shuttlers heading to Rio are Lee Chong Wei (men’s singles), Tee Jing Yi (women’s singles), Tan Wee Kiong, Goh Wei Shem (men’s doubles), Vivian Hoo, Woon Khe Wei (women’s doubles) and Chan Peng Soon, Goh Liu Ying (mixed doubles).