161 CAMILLA HULLICK – Biting the bullet

Biting the Bullet

Words by Camilla Hullick

As news of another corona outbreak in Melbourne rang in my ears, I realised I had to stop procrastinating. It was time to bite the bullet and step up to the readily available Covid-19 vaccine in South Gippsland. I knew it was a necessary requirement but felt dubious and a little fearful of the unknown, long term side effects of the young booster. Until now I wasn't prepared to be a trend-setter and decided to wait, hovering in the background. I'm certain I wasn't on my own.

However, another lockdown? Surely not! I believed we'd moved past these severe restrictions. I thought quarantine issues were finally understood and managed well in Victoria. I was convinced Australia, our vast island, was relatively safe, but sadly no. It was time to put my big girl's pants on and take the jab. How else would this world ever open again if we are not all immunised?!

On a mission, I immediately rang the Foster Medical Centre to book an appointment time, assuming I would need to wait a few weeks before being seen. This would give me sufficient time to mentally prepare myself, I thought. However, two days later I found myself warily standing in the waiting room! Eyes peering out from over the top of all too familiar face masks, I approached reception struggling to hear the young lady's directions. I accepted the face protection was mandatory and beneficial, but the impersonal aspect overwhelmed me just as it did throughout 2020.

The comfortably warm waiting room portrayed an organised busyness. Medical staff were constantly venturing in, out and through the spacious area calling patients' names. I admired and respected their dedication. A friendly receptionist with comforting, smiling eyes I immensely appreciated, handed me a form of extensive health questions to fill out while I waited my turn. I was still feeling a little apprehensive at this stage and as I looked around the room, I wondered how many others resonated with me. It seemed most were there for the same reason I was.

Interrupting my unhelpful train of thoughts, a seemingly efficient nurse suddenly appeared from nowhere and called my name. She then proceeded to voice a second name and it became apparent two patients were shown into a consultation room at one time to consecutively be given the vaccine.

As I stood up and headed towards Nurse Nancy, I scanned the room wondering who I was to share this unnerving experience with. Then I noticed a little, aged lady emanating a determined air of confidence. She had already reached Nancy, and both were waiting for me to front up. I quickly hurried not to keep them or the orderly process waiting.

Faye, my vaccine comrade, sat down and promptly pulled up her sleeve, ready for action. I started to unpeel my cardigan as I stumbled over my words, attempting to pick Nancy's brain one last time about the AstraZeneca vaccine, which was about to permeate my body. Before I had completely removed my cardigan, I had unobtrusively been administered the booster.

It was done.

Faye was next and didn't flinch an eyelid. There was no uncertainty or fear about her. She knew the intervention was necessary to protect her as much as possible from the dreaded virus. She seemingly breezed through the process with unshakable trust in Nurse Nancy and the AstraZeneca vaccine. Although I stand 180cm tall and towered over Faye, I suddenly felt extremely small!

Faye and I returned to the waiting room together and were required to sit for fifteen minutes in case any undesirable reactions surfaced encouraged by the booster. We chatted as we watched the clock together. Faye, who lives on her farm in Fish Creek, proudly disclosed she was in her nineties and felt fortunate to have suffered minimal health issues during her lengthy lifetime. Her happy, wise, and content persona was inspiring, and I felt honoured to share her company. While Faye waited for her lift, I left the medical premises on the fifteenminute stroke and drove home, reassuring myself I'd commenced my duty towards healing the world. I was feeling good. With a new appointment time booked, I would return in twelve weeks to complete the immunisation program and hope to once again cross paths with my new, elderly friend.

The following day I awoke feeling a little ordinary with a dull overall ache that lasted the morning. A headache followed and remained for the afternoon; however, I was assured my reaction wasn't uncommon. I wondered how Faye pulled up and hoped her astounding, healthy track record continued throughout the post vaccine period.

The world population needs the administration of a Covid-19 vaccine to enjoy some sort of universal normality once again. I believe the Corona virus isn't going anywhere. I feel we're obliged to adjust to life with and around the damaging virus strains, like the many illnesses we already endure daily. Seriously, what choice do we have?

Do we wish to sit in our protected homes for the rest of our lives without social interaction? I certainly don't! I've now taken the first step toward normalcy. Whether I feel apprehensive or not, it makes no difference. If the vaccine allows us to lead full, rich, purposeful lives, surely, it's in our best global interests to welcome the jab – unless of course, we are deemed ineligible.