The Jab - to have or not to have, that is the question?

We have all suffered in one way or another from the Pandemic and CO-Vid 19. Whether it be from lack of business, lockdowns, too many to mention, closure of business, lack of employment and subsequent financial strain, family stress and strain or just plain frustration and boredom. It has hit us all in one way or another. So then it was so pleasing last Thursday to go to an event closely linked with the pandemic which ran like clockwork. Yes I went to have THE JAB!

OK OK yes I know, I have listened to all the media information (hype), I have sought advice from family members in England who have administered literally hundreds of doses and from those who have had the jab in UK and elsewhere etc etc., after all that, I made the call to have the jab as the alternative does not bear thinking about. I will admit, Yes, I had visions of medicals and innoculations prior to joining uniformed service. 

That intrepid nurse and well, shall we say of generous proportions, approaching the line of recuits, needle in hand. Wearing a beguiling half grin, and on arrival in front of you, those unforgettable words. "Drop em' and or "Bend Over"and then to feel the cold steel of the needle and the colder thick liquid slowly penetrating. Oh yes, those were the days, but in todays world nothing like it. Just as well, I hate needles!

Alternatively having to go and have jabs for a range of nasties just to go over from England to France and Spain, the triple shot for Typhoid, Cholera  and Yellow Fever was a real doosey. Almost had your arm in a sling for days!

I am not going to address or argue the for's and against of the vaccine. Not the place not the time  but I vote for it, I want to return to as normal a life as we can get and as quickly as possible so in I went with the "boss". Within a matter of minutes we were logged in having made an appointment, ticked off the list and directed to the purpose prepared location deep in the confines of the Health Centre in Jemmison Street. There to be met by a cheerful nurse who must have been so sick and tired of repeating the same lines time after time, but she did so with clarity and with a cheerful smile. 

Directed to Clinic #1, and to a couple of seats just outside a screened off area. Ok I thought this is all good so far, and within a matter of minutes we were invited into the small but adequate operational area to be met by another cheeful nurse who asked the relevant questions of us both including do we consent to having the jab. She must have done it so many times that day (it was early afternoon), but it was made personal and with a high level of care and concern. The matter of which arm to receive the dreaded jab? we both went for left, being right handed, and almost before I had a chance to say anything it was done, a minute sting for a fraction of a second and there we were finished and directed again to the area set aside to ensure all was well. 

 

This was the longest time in one spot as all have to wait 15 minutes for safety reasons, then are allowed to leave with your paperwork including the follow up appoitment date for a second dose. Like a well oiled machine, quick, efficient, and all performed from wo to go in a cheerful and caring manner.

Congrataulations Jemmison Street staff, well done on a great job and service to our community.

After effects, yes a bit of a sore spot in my arm for a couple of days and felt low on Friday, apart from that no problem so far! We gladly left and went to have a tasty lunch, not much will keep me from my food! So if you are concered don't be, everything is explained to you throughout the procedure very clearly. Your choice, but for me, I feel happier with than without.

Thanks and well done to all the staff at Gippsland Complete health at Jemmison Street Lakes Entrance.

Blog is a personal opinion and an account of a persoanl experience and not to be considered as advice nor any form of medical information.

Photo copyright John Munns.