I am in very good health for a 67 year old, by the grace of God. I have enjoyed my golden years in the company of my family, especially my granddaughter, who has just started to articulate some words and still express her commands in an objective way. I love to travel and was hoping to start over as soon as the vaccine was made available to us. As I am quite tech-savvy, I started my attempts to book a vaccination spot from March 1st and got nowhere. Some rantings on Facebook and Whatsapp groups comforted me because I was not alone in my frustrations.
Finally, on the night of March 8, I was thrilled to get a reservation at Hospital Manipal, Whitefield, Bengaluru for the morning of March 14. I got up early, my son and I arrived at the hospital and were surprised to find only a few people there. Attributing this to Lady Luck, I joined the small group of elderly citizens and their companions only to be told that there is no vaccination on Sundays. All of us, including the hospital staff, checked the scheduling messages and were confused.
After a few hectic calls to the elderly, the staff politely informed us that we could go the next day and be given priority. Meanwhile, at my suggestion, the team agreed to complete the registration forms and make the files and keep them ready while we were there.
I came back, frankly doubting the guarantee given for any priority and convinced that it was just a ploy to disperse us. Monday brought a pleasant surprise at the hospital. We were allowed to enter immediately, our files were ready at the counters and in a short time I was escorted with all courtesy by the staff to the vaccination site. Everyone was very polite and attentive. The injection was virtually painless, as was the entire process. The vaccinator informed me that 0.5 ml of Covishield was being administered and was then taken to the observation room to sit for 30 minutes. Well done Hospital Manipal!
After the injection, I stayed well until the night, when I felt stiffness at the vaccination point, mild nausea and a fever sensation. I took no medicine and fell into bed early to the great consternation of my granddaughter, who expected me to carry out her orders. I’m better today, except for a slight headache. I ask all citizens to get vaccinated. And the Government and hospitals must carry out vaccinations every day, without any break for Sunday, so that the fight against COVID is won quickly.
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LEGAL NOTICE
The opinions expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a doctor’s advice. Consult your attending physician for more details.