The Corona Chronicles – Third Time Lucky?

To have the COVID vaccine booster shot now being pushed by the Israel Government for over-60s and other “vulnerable” sections of the population, or not to have it?

When I was vaccinated, back in January 2021, I was full of trepidation, in light of reports of side effects including facial paralysis, blood clots leading to strokes, even heart attacks. In fact, on the morning I received the first shot, I made my will – something I had been putting off for a long time.

I felt I had got off lightly after the second shot, and breathed a sigh of relief. The “only” side effect was severe muscle pain in the arm where I received the shot, which, the following day, spread to my other arm, both shoulders and my back – although I couldn’t be entirely sure the latter was the result of the COVID jab. What I will say, however, is that since then, I still have pain in my shoulders when I raise my arms above my head (although not every time I do so).

At that time, back in January/February 2021, they told us the effectiveness of the vaccine was apparently about 6 months – and “Green Passes” were issued accordingly. Then, about three months ago, they said that the evidence seemed to indicate that the vaccine was actually effective for rather longer than originally believed – and the “Green Passes” were extended to the end of 2021.

Two months ago, due to the drop in the number of COVID-19 cases, the Green Pass restrictions were completely abolished, but now, with the appearance of the Delta Variant and the rate of new infections (mostly of people who have been vaccinated) apparently spiralling out of control, the Green Pass restrictions have been reinstated and the government has begun an aggressive campaign to vaccinate people over 60 with a third, “booster” jab, as well as to vaccinate children – even before any internationally recognised medical regulatory body, such as the FDA or the WHO, has given the green light for either case.

And I find myself wondering. If they told us a mere three months ago that the vaccine which was previously believed to be good only for six months, is actually effective for a whole year, and they are now telling us that people vaccinated five or six months ago have been found to have a dwindling number of antibodies which drastically reduces the effectiveness of the vaccine, to the extent that “vulnerable sections of the population” should have a third shot now – how can we possibly rely on what they say? Yes, there is the added factor of the Delta Variant. But if the vaccine is less effective (or, apparently, ineffective) against the Delta Variant, what on earth is the point of having more of it? And yes, it’s true that our knowledge of how the virus acts and changes is increasing with each passing day – but in that case, who is to say that in two or three months time, they won’t “discover” that a new variant requires that we receive booster shots every three months – or every two months – or every month?

And how can we be sure that the build-up of vaccine in the body is safe? And what about the apparent “possible connection” between the administration of the vaccine to young people, and myocarditis?
And what about the long-term effects about which we have absolutely no data?

Basically – we are being asked to serve as unpaid guinea-pigs (lab rats, as my American friends say). And not only are we unpaid, we are even denied the right to sue for damages if we suffer any ill-effects from the vaccine.

And why is the Israel Government’s agreement with Pfizer (or parts of it) secret? Why must it remain so for the next 30 years, as if revealing its terms would endanger national security?

With so many unasked questions, I am sure you will understand why, at this stage, I am reluctant to take the risk of having a third shot of the vaccine and prefer to await further developments.

I am not an anti-vaxxer. But I prefer to err on the side of caution. There are too many unknown factors at work here. If, as the government claims, the vaccine is still “largely effective” even after six months, and I continue to observe all the other precautions, such as social distancing, wearing a face mask in indoor gatherings, and frequent hand washing (I also carry a small bottle of alco-gel with me at all times), I think – I hope – that I shall be alright.

Let me know what you think in the Comments section, below.