Monday, 1st February, 2021
Today was historic for me. I had my first Covid vaccination. I’ll confess I hadn’t wanted to be one of the first in line for it. It feels too new and untested, but I also knew deep down that I would probably be just fine with doing it when invited. My invitation came by text on Tuesday, I phoned my doctor’s office on Wednesday morning and they offered me today (Monday) at 12:10pm. I was on!
If you’re still waiting and want to know what it’s like…Pictorial essay follows!
So what was it like, getting the vaccine? I was sent into the main room which had many cubicles. They told me walk straight ahead where I saw a doctor waiting, masked. His badge read ‘Declan’ and he told me his name, which I sadly forget.
Declan explained to me about the vaccine and asked me a few questions. He then asked me if I had any questions of my own. I told him that, despite everything, I always worried somewhat about having an allergic reaction and he reassured me that if I had never had one, it was extremely unlikely. He explained things as if he were doing it for the first time – simply and warmly. I appreciated that. He prepared the syringe and stood beside me and I waited for the ‘sharp, short pain’ he promised. Then he said ‘OK, it’s done.’ I was actually shocked. I hadn’t felt anything at all and thought I hadn’t had it yet. I told him so and he said ‘It’s not about skill. It’s hit and miss if I hit a pain receptor spot.’ I thanked him and headed off for the assessment waiting room, where I would wait fifteen minutes.
