When I wrote about getting my first shot of the COVID vaccine, I mentioned that my next shot was scheduled for September. How things change in a month! The province’s vaccine supply had improved to the point that I soon got a call from the pharmacy, wanting to move my second shot up.
So, last Monday, I travelled down to the pharmacy again, and got my second dose, fully two months ahead of when I expected I would. As others, including some members of my family, had mentioned, the second shot tends to hit harder than the first, and I was no exception; the following day had me more tired than I’d been in a long time. The following days saw me much improved, though with some aches that might have been from the vaccine, and might have been something else.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that I’m immune just yet; I have another week from this writing before my body has built up the immunity needed to keep this disease at bay. And, as we’re finding, the current vaccines are not the perfect fit for the newer variants, especially Delta. But even there, we’ve found that the vaccinations still provide significant protection; those who get COVID-19 after getting vaccinated have a far better chance of shrugging the disease off. Overall, I’m glad I had the shots.
I’ll be keeping masks ready at hand for a while yet; even though our province seems set to lift the health restrictions around the beginning of August (and our vaccination numbers suggest we might actually hit the provinces’ threshold more or less on time), there’s always the possibility that we may have another outbreak before or after. The more people we have vaccinated above the provinces’ set threshold of 75%, the safer we’ll be.
So if you’re hesitating on the vaccination, either because you fear the effects or don’t think you have to because of ‘herd immunity’, some friendly advice. Take the shots anyway. Bank on a day or two to take it easy, just in case you get knocked back as I did. If a fourth wave comes, you’ll be glad you did, trust me.