I am in pretty good health for a young man of 67 years old by the grace of God. I have enjoyed my golden years in the company of my family, especially my toddler granddaughter, who has just started putting a few words into words and still expresses her commands in a no-nonsense way. I love to travel and waited to reboot as soon as the vaccine was available to us. Being fairly tech savvy, I started my attempts to book a vaccination slot from March 1 myself and got absolutely nowhere. A few rants on Facebook and WhatsApp groups were comforting that I wasn’t alone in my frustrations.
Finally, on the evening of March 8th, I was thrilled to get a booking at Manipal Hospital, Whitefield, Bengaluru for March 14th. I got up early and my son and I reached the hospital and were surprised to find only a few people there. Attributing this to Lady Luck, I joined the small group of fellow seniors and their counselors, only to be told there is no vaccination on Sundays. All of us, including the hospital staff, double-checked the appointment messages and remained confused.
After some hectic phone calls to their seniors, the staff politely informed us seniors that we can come the next day and will be given priority. In the meantime, at my suggestion, the staff agreed to complete the registration forms and create and keep files ready while we were there.
I went back, frankly I doubted the assurance given for any priority and was convinced it was just a ploy to disperse us. Monday brought a pleasant surprise to the hospital. We were allowed in immediately, our files were ready at the counters and in no time I was escorted to the vaccination site by the staff with all courtesy. Everyone was so polite and caring. The shot was virtually painless, as was the entire process. The vaccinator told me I was being administered 0.5 ml of Covishield and was then taken to the observation room to sit for 30 minutes. !
Post shot, I was fine until the evening, when I got stiffness at the vaccination site, a mild nausea and feverish feeling. I took no medication and went to bed early much to the dismay of my granddaughter, who expected me to fulfill her commandments. I feel better today, except for a mild headache. I urge all citizens to go for vaccination. And the government and hospitals are conducting vaccinations every day without any break before Sunday, so that the fight against COVID can be won quickly.
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DISCLAIMER
The views expressed in this article should not be taken as a substitute for the advice of a physician. Consult your treating physician for more details.