‘Being vaccinated is the only way to get our lives back’ FIRST-HAND ACCOUNTS OF THOSE WHO HAVE TAKEN THE VACCINE AND THEIR REASONS FOR DOING SO
DR ASHWIN PATEL has been a GP at Preston Road Medical Centre, Wembley, London, for the past 32 years.
He said the surgery sent letters asking more than 80 per cent of people aged over of 80 to be vaccinated.
“We also called elderly patients who do not have mobile phones and booked their appointments,” he said.
Dr Patel, who was himself vaccinated on December 17, said, “The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was developed after much research and trials, with scientists working day and night. Even though it was speedily approved for use, it is both very safe and effective.
“The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is declared to have 95 per cent effectiveness, while it is 94 per cent for the Moderna vaccine. Pfizer has been approved by the UK and the US.
“My surgery has more than 150 people over the age of 80, of whom we have vaccinated more than 40 people and to date, no one has complained.
“Common side effects of the vaccine such as fever or nausea – can be mild.
“Only two people have so far complained of an allergic reaction to the Pfizer vaccine and since then, those who have allergies have not been vaccinated.
“We ask about allergies before we do vaccinations and we already have a record of such patients. That is why double vigilance is taken.
“We also observe each person for 15 min
– utes after vaccinating them and leave only after they feel okay.”
Dr Patel explained how the Pfizer-BionNtech vaccine works.
“We know that the spikes of the coronavirus invade the cells of the body. The vaccine is made by taking part of the proteins from the same spikes. When the vaccine is injected, the body understands that it has been attacked by a coronavirus, so it builds an army of new antibodies to fight it.
“Later, if and when the person comes into contact with the true coronavirus, the antibodies already present in the body start fighting the virus, thereby saving lives.
“Asians who have diabetes, asthma, chest infections, heart disease and other health conditions are disproportionately affected by the coronavirus, so prevention and protection against sudden deaths due to Covid-19 are necessary.
“We can help protect ourselves by using masks, maintaining social distance, washing our hands, but in the end, we need security, and that comes from vaccines.”
“As a doctor, I can responsibly say that it is necessary to take a vaccine that protects against coronavirus and this vaccine is the safest one. Even after the vaccine is administered, everyone needs to be careful until it is fully effective.
“Although we create awareness, some people aged over 80 would like to wait and watch before getting the vaccine. So they
let them did not book their appointments. In order to avoid wastage of the vaccine and appointments slots, our management offered those appointment slots to frontline healthcare workers.
“People who get vaccinated will save their precious lives. We will be able to get on with our lives, meet each other openly and freely, business will return for employment, people will get their jobs back. It’s important to be aware of this infection until everyone is vaccinated.
“Congratulations to the scientists and companies that made both vaccines. Imagine how many people would have died worldwide in two or three months or a year if this vaccine had not been introduced?”
Mavjibhai Patel, known as Mavjikaka, who was involved in the construction of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in north London, said, “There is nothing to be afraid of in getting vaccinated. The government has made such a nice arrangement that I got vaccinated and got out in an hour. I am diabetic and old, so I took the vaccine. I was not afraid of it. I am feeling first class! I would tell everyone to take the vaccine if you must. Vaccines are very necessary. It will stop you from getting infected and you will be able to get on with your life.”