An Impromptu Booster Shot
A Random Decision That Turned Out to Be a Smart One in the Final Analysis
The first shot was a case of overcoming the fear of needles. The second was about the doctor not being in a good mood, stabbing the syringe ruthlessly and the resultant swelling that took about 10–14 days to heal.
Back then we were told that two doses should suffice, for six months at the least. With the emergence of new variants the requirement was brought down to three months after the second vaccination. The vaccine certificate albeit remained valid for nine months, including three grace months.
But ours is not a case of vaccine hesitancy. Neither is there any firm belief that the vaccines actually work. When the medical experts aren’t sure about vaccine efficacy expecting people to be certain is wishful thinking.
That said, for us it hasn’t made much of a difference in any case. Even before we received our vaccinations last year we had a habit of ensuring the basic hygiene habits were followed and also embraced social distancing (read avoiding the crowd).
Besides, after receiving the twin doses we had had back-to-back vacations. So making another trip abroad wasn’t exactly a priority.
So for us, it’s essentially a case of biding by time. We wanted our second dose to be close to six months valid, as told initially, before we opted for a booster. As we entered the sixth month the digital certificate (still valid) started recommending a visit to the doctor, and the need for a booster. Memories of that ruthless stab of the second shot was still afresh, even as we deliberated having a booster.
It’s a pleasant Sunday. There was no wind. It was clear skies and an overall sunny day. It is days like this that we cherish in this part of the world. No points for guessing on such a day no one prefers to stay at home.
The plan was quite clear. To go out for breakfast, then walk around the city center area and finally head to the harbor. Even as we were walking around the city center after a particularly satisfying breakfast we came across a mobile vaccination center.
It’s sheer coincidence. We were in the sixth month of our second dose, the digital certificate had started giving suggestion and here we were standing in a place where no prior appointment was needed.
It was an impromptu decision, a no-brainer in fact. We decided to take the booster at that moment. The paperwork and verification was done in quick time and within minutes we were in front of the medical staff. Thankfully, both the doctors seemed to be in good mood.
They told us that the Moderna vaccine is being recommended as the primary choice for the booster as it is a bit more effective. We were quick to point out that we had been administered BionTech-Pfizer for the first and second vaccination. The doctor reiterated that both mRNA vaccines are equally suitable as boosters and in the final analysis it is about the choice we make.
We opted for the doctor’s recommendations. The lady who administered the shots did it so perfectly that there was no moment of nervousness — and there has been no swelling since. Even as we waited for our papers we asked the doctor for further information, if at all another booster will be required. The doctor seemed dismissive.
“Studies in Israel show the fourth shot doesn’t add much protection to the existing. Hence it is being recommended only for those who are 70 years old or above,” he said, adding unlike the (first and) second vaccination certificates, that are valid from 14 days after the twin jabs, the booster vaccinations will be valid from the day of the injection. (Following the booster the vaccination certificate is now valid for another year)
As we expressed our gratitude and left the vaccination center we hoped the third shot will be the last.
