Vaccine is silver lining to Covid-19 ordeal

SINCE the emergence of the novel coronavirus in December 2019, both young and old are affected and sadly, many have succumbed to the virus.

Through enormous research, funding and cooperation amongst scientists and biopharmaceutical manufacturers and regulators moving more swiftly than normal, the Covid-19 vaccine was approved for human use.

This discovery of modern medical science, a well-meaning ingenuity, was comforting news after months of continuous concern.

Initially I was cautious about taking the vaccine, not because I am anti-science or believed the constant weird theories of anti- vaxxers being posted on social media; I was undecided about the choice of injection to take.

Finally, after discussing with medical professionals, in August, I took my first of two vaccine doses and a few days ago, I received my second of two vaccine doses. All praise to Almighty, the side effects were minimal and disappeared after a day. Almighty willing, this will allow me to follow millions of South Africans from developing serious illness and hospitalisation from a disease that has changed the way of life.

Moreover, through the grace of Almighty, this undertaking after a year of unremitting anxiety allows me to be part of the answer to the contagion, for the wellbeing of others and be a contributor to the common good.

This remarkable scientific achievement is the silver lining we have in this current trying period. MOHAMED SAEED | Pietermaritzburg