It would have to happen on the day that Europe went into daylight-saving time, so now that we’re on Irish Standard Time, I was awake at 06:00 to ensure that I would be on the 08:41 train from Portarlington to Tullamore. All to be in Tullamore Hospital for 10:00 to get the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.

So, yes, today has been a very long day but I am happy to report that I have received the first dose of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine. The whole process was very well carried out in the Midlands Regional Hospital at Tullamore, and I was there in advance of my appointment and vaccinated before it too.

My arm, so far, has not been sore, nor have I had a headache, so despite being advised to take Paracetamol by some of the dialysis nurses, I have not yet done so. I do not like taking Paracetamol unless it is actually needed.

So, roll on three months’ time and I will be back to get the second dose.