I went fro my shingles vaccination today, The automatic board for booking in wasn’t working and the man in front of me was arguing with the receptionist in broken English. This isn’t a criticism, his command of the language was far better than anything I could manage in another language. However, it did prolong the discussion. He was trying to book an appointment for a female family member who didn’t speak English and the receptionist was booking a translator. He said he was able to translate, and I’m sure he was. Unfortunately nobody would be able to tell what he was saying and it seems there is a growing problem with doctors saying one thing and family members translating it to suit their requirements. That’s why the practice now books impartial translators as a matter of course. I presume it isn’t cheap, but it is necessary. So that’s another rabbit hole for the NHS budget.
Meanwhile, I was called through for my shingles vaccination. Then I ws told I probably didn’t qualify. It seems the TV advert is not 100% accurate and there are plenty of people in the age group who don’t actually qualify. When they say “immuno-supressed” on the advert, they are talking about people on chemotherapy and with HIV, that sort of level.
She broke the news gently that she didn’t think I would qualify and we went through all the parameters. It ws a no. Then I pointed out that I’m counted as immuno-suppressed for some purposes because of the methotrexate and she looked that up for me. If you take up 8 tablets a week you don’t qualify for vaccination. If you take ten, you do. Bingo! Because I take 10, I can be vaccinated. This, the nurse tells me, is a Good Thing. Two tint tablets, which are almost too small to grasp, are the difference.
It’s a mixed blessing, because it tells me I am ill enough to cross a threshold . . .
But I got my vaccine, so I’m happy with that. It took two minutes for vaccinations and 20 minutes to do the checking. I will let others ponder the efficiency of the system, as Julia has just made tea and toast (with marmalade) and I feel this post needs to end.
Selfie in a teapot
Glad you are all caught up on vaccinations! Onward!
Just the Covid Booster to go.
Your next post of the day (tortoise) doesn’t allow like or comment – there is a spate of this
Sorry about that. I’m getting fed up of WP but have never been able to find a replacement. Humph!
Yay you! I got chicken pox at age 31 and thought I was going to die. I want nothing to do with anything in that family.
One of my customers told me 30 years ago that he still has the virus in his eyes – he has to avoid all kids with chicken pox or it could get really nasty.
Like Derrick, I am pleased that you got the vaccination. Shingles is no joke.
I remember the first time I heard of it. I was in my teens and the local rector was laid up with it – terribly ill for ages. I then forgot all about it. When I was offered the vaccine it all came back to me and I formed a driving ambition to get vaccinated, so I’m glad too.
I’m pleased you got the vac at least
Yes, the nurse was very7 keen on giving it to me as she is a big fan of shingles vaccine. Not something I really thought about until recently.
Nor me – even though my grandmother had it in her 90s
Let’s face it, it’s very easy not to think about things until they happen close to home. But do you want to go through life worrying? 🙂
Nope
My thought exactly. Stress, as I always say, is a killer. 🙂