Vaccinated!

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!

Bocking Street Vaccine Centre — I had the choice of two vaccination centres. I chose Bocking Street, which is at the back of Mare Street Market. The building didn’t inspire much

Queue for vaccines — There was a short queue waiting to get in. We were met at the door and asked the usual health questions and had our temperature taken and hands sanitised. We then went through a second check. I asked if Krish could get a vaccine as my carer and was told to try when I reached the window. They were very nice, but said ‘not today’

Waiting room — Inside the centre, I got a seat among others with plexiglass between each one. I had an entry ticket number that they jokingly referred to as my raffle ticket. Krish was allowed in with me all the way

Vaccination Centre Cleaner — There was one person doing cleaning at the centre. She diligently cleaned every chair, in every area after each person, seldom resting. Hats off to her!

Waiting room, Vaccination Centre — We waited on our chairs, plastic shields between each one

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.

Post vaccination waiting area — After getting our vaccine, we waited again for fifteen minutes to make sure we were well enough to leave. Note the cleaner again (on the right)

Under the London Fields arches – London Fields Brewery and Hackney Smokehouse, where they sell smoked fish

Hackney Smokehouse – I really fancied that butter but my stomach isn’t up to it right now

House for Dogs! — Pet groomers shop under the arches – The London Dog House

There's still something of old London Fields here — There’s still something of old London Fields here (London Fields Studio)

Distanced queue outside E5 Bakehouse — The E5 Bakehouse started the bakery craze in Hackney years ago. You can’t go in now but you can click and collect!

At home, I had some chicken noodle soup and settled on the couch to relax. I napped. When I woke up my arm was sore and aching but I felt fine. I really needed that nap! My next shot? They said eleven weeks and they’d call me to book it. Happy! Get vaccinated, folks.

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