Fionnuala, Hannah and I got out long awaited second vaccinations yesterday at one of the regional hubs. They can administer 1500 vaccinations a day and, I have to say, it was a slick, well-organised operation. We were in and out in half an hour and the staff were fantastic. Efficient and friendly, they answered all our questions and made us feel so at ease. We felt like VIP visitors as we were whisked into the leisure centre which had been transformed into the hub.
Over 930,000 people have now received a first vaccination in Northern Ireland, while almost 350,000 have had the second jab. Not bad for our ‘wee country’ of 1.8 million people. We are on course to have offered all adults a vaccination by the end of July. The uptake has also been encouraging at well over 90%, convincing me that the disturbing, unhinged anti-vac presence on social media are a noisy, but tiny, minority.
Side effects? I have a sore arm this morning and feel a bit tired but nothing a day of rest and a couple of paracetamol won’t sort out. Much rather that than struggling for breath in an intensive care ward as my lungs turn to mush. It’s a complete no-brainer as far as I’m concerned and I’m beyond caring for those who refuse to avail of the vaccination. They have made their beds and now must lie on them. Playing Russian Roulette with your life is not something I’m prepared to do with my family.
Infection rates continue to remain at manageable levels as our society and economy gradually opens up again. Yesterday all non-essential retail opened their doors while cafes, bars and restaurants were able to resume outdoor hospitality. The various vaccines are the road to normality and I’m not going to be left standing on the platform as that train pulls out of the station. Hoping you are all having a good day wherever in the world you are today.
Black Thoughts 
That’s great. Nice to know that.
And take care.
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You’re welcome. Thank you 😊
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Congratulations! Please keep well. I had both of my shots, too! Moving forward.
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Great to hear, Susan. Thank you 😊
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Congratulations, Stephen! I am sure the sense of relief for you and your family is huge. The first round of the vaccine knocked me for a loop but I am looking forward to round #2 this coming Tuesday. Meanwhile, my boss has no plan to get the vaccine, nor do so many that encircle me in my community. It is so frustrating! We have a chance to beat this virus and they seemingly have no problem being the weakest link in the battle. Take good care! Breathe a little deeper! And THANK YOU!!!
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Thank you Erika and good luck with your second jab. Frightening to hear that some are turning down this opportunity. They are playing Russian Roulette with their lives and those of the people around them.
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Much better than the 1 hour 40 minutes sitting in the car the first time, and an hour and 15 for the second one. Congratulations
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Thank you and the same to you 😊
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Excellent news.
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Good work, team Black. We cannot access any vaccine until July here in the mainstream. I am on the immunocompromised list, and am waiting to get the call up any day. We are lucky and have no community cases, they have been rare for nearly a year now, and when one pops up, regional lockdowns seem to have worked well. Touch wood!
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Thank you. Hopefully you will be called for your jab soon 💉
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Hope you are doing well.
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Yes. No reaction. Relieved to now be fully vaccinated.
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