Lucas’s Story

“I asked my doctor if it was okay for me to take the Covid vaccine,” says Lucas*, a 42-year-old with cancer-related disabilities. “He’s the person I trust most when it comes to health issues.”

“My GP said it’s even more important for me to get vaccinated, because the consequences of getting Covid for people with things like cancer, diabetes, kidney, or heart disease are so much worse. We’re at greater risk.”

“Not only that; I need my parents to get by, and they’re at risk because they’re over 70. If any one of us in the house got Covid, we could all become badly ill or die. Getting the vaccine was an easy decision. It’s all about survival.”

“My parents could lose their child; or I could lose one or both carers. Most likely, we’d all be infected — and probably die  — if we hadn’t been fully vaccinated.”

They are all double-vaxxed now, but remain cautious. “Our only visitors are family for now.”

What made you feel reassured about going ahead with vaccination? “I already knew people with cancer,  diabetes, kidney problems and so on had a worse response to Covid, so vaccination was really important for me. Still, I asked a doctor I trusted first.”

I’d advise anyone with chronic disease to contact their GP or specialist first,” says Lucas. “I simply asked mine, is it safe for me to get the vaccine? In my particular case, I felt it was fine to proceed because my specialist has taken good care of me until now and I trust him. As it turned out, they also double-checked it was safe for me to have the shot at the vaccination centre.

Side effects? “It was barely a scratch! Bit of a sore arm for a day or two, was all.”

Any other advice for those with a health condition who may be hesitant about getting vaccinated? “If you’re not sure, or are worried about the pain, it’s okay to get a second opinion. Talk to your doctor or nurse at your local practice, or call the infoline. You could also ask your pharmacist.”

*not his real name