1994 was the last time I had an injection.
Ever since I had a needle break in my arm during a blood test, I have been needlephobic. I braved a MR Booster when the Government produced scary infromation about Measles, as I didn't want the complications that could come from that disease, so I sucked it in, cried like a baby, and never wanted a jab again!

26 years later, and Covid entered our lives, but I never thought that would lead me to have an injection. I didn't care if I got covid. It would be a few days off work, and if it was going to be my time, then so be it.
I was hoping a nasel spray would be out when it came to my turn, but alas it's still being trialled. I was adament I would never be vaccinated, until the spray came out. I even said:
"I'm going to be brave and selfless and
make sure everyone has their jab before me!"
...in my own sort of humour.
But of course I was actually going to be the opposite. Not only would I be a wimp, but I would be utterly selfish catching Covid, with the risk of passing it to my friends and family. If I survived, yet someone I was in close contact with didn't, I would have their blood on my hands. Thats why I decided to be a big brave soldier (as my dear old mum would say) and take my medicine to help everyone.

I was nervous all day at work, and shook like a leaf as the afternoon draw on. Once I arrived at the clinic, I told the volunteers I'm utterly terrified, but they did there best to explain how I was to the nurse administering the vaccine. I sat in that chair, and felt like I was going to to explode with fear and almost considered running away. But the nurse calmly reassured me, asked a few questions, and after a few deep breaths - zap, the job was done. I felt a little warm afterwards, but after a little sleep, I'm fine.

So if you're like me, and hate the thought of a hyperdermic needle going anywhere near you, please try and find the courage if you can. You are not alone, and the fantastic volunteers and nurses will understand, and do their uttemost to make it as easy as they can for you. Plus you will be helping out so much to avoid us going into a another monotonous lockdown... with no pubs!

If you would like to talk to me and tell you about more my experience, or you just want a friendly ear, I will be happy to hear from you, and hopefully get you through it! :)

And if you're worried about the side effects, they'll be gone in a few days. My friends vouched for that.

I would also like to thank  BabyStar for sharing her experience in her journal. It made me realise that I needed to pull my socks up, be a brave soldier and do it! Thank you Star!