Another bleak and cold morning. Around zero Celsius (32 F) and that fine misty rain that the Scots deny is real rain.
The Scots word dreich seems an apt description. Out of bed far too early at 7:00 am to take the dogs out. It has been snowing again and its still icy. I fit the spikes to my shoes to avoid slipping on the ice. We go down the rec. which is hardly showing any snow.
Most years here in Wigan we get very little snow. At the end of last year, on Boxing Day we had about 10 days which were really cold and the fine dusting of snow lasted most of that time.
I am very glad I don’t have to drive to work nowadays. I have been retired a few years now but that hasn’t stopped me taking on work that I can do from home. More about that in another blog.
Anyway, I got the letter yesterday offering the Covid-19 vaccination. I attempted to book an appointment immediately but the Wigan site wasn’t showing any availability. I tried Bolton and clicked 2 appointments one for today and another for the second dose in April.
This failed due to one of the appointments being no longer available. Dreadful software that allows that. It should keep the appointment reserved a few minutes. On the 4th attempt I managed to book both at St Helen’s Rugby Club. That’s about a 10 mile journey. Not a major issue as I have the car.
Just looking out into my garden. A squirrel is raiding the bird feeders. I don’t mind as squirrels have their charms. As is usual in most of England it is a grey squirrel not the native red.
You can see these at Formby, about 40 miles away and there are some in parts of North Eastern England and they are widespread in Scotland.
Despite the size of the building I managed to drive past without seeing it. In fairness it is a fair distance back from the road. I stopped a little way down the road and a friendly local gave me directions.
Arrived at the Totally Wicked Stadium. Its the sponsors name in case you are wondering. E cigarettes.
Plenty of parking and then join the queue to enter the building. Separating GP referrals from those who booked on the NHS website, then key workers from the general public. All very well organised and friendly. Anybody with a cloth mask asked to take a surgical mask. Temperature checked and hands sanitised. Eventually up the stairs and sat in well separated chairs awaiting call forwards for the injection.
I look away when there’s a needle. The lady does it quickly and there’s a dull ache where the needle goes.
Then its off to check if a second appointment needs to be booked. Not in my case as I booked both yesterday.
Sit quietly for 10 minutes in case of any severe reaction. Anaphylactic shock is not common but its as well to make sure. I was at the site about 40 minutes.
Apart from a very small bruise on my arm all OK so far.
I don’t generally get any issues with the annual ‘flu jab so this will probably be the same.
UPDATE Wednesday 3rd February
I am pleased to report no major issues. I got some severe muscle ache in my upper arms last night. Checking on ZOE. This is a reaction in the lymph nodes.
Incidentally I have been contributing to the ZOE Covid -19 survey since March 2020. This is NOT the NHS track and trace app. You will not be directed by ZOE to isolate regardless of the symptoms you might experience.
There are about 4.5 million contributors who report every day.
This service is for the UK only.
To join please click here or install the app on your smart device.
