Getting a Boost

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 Most of our adventures have avoided any extra risk for Covid.  We've been able to explore outside or in small groups for a short period of time and we always have our masks on. Avoiding obvious exposure risks, I think we've been pretty good as far as not choosing populated cities to visit or going to parties (especially with eating or drinking).  But choosing not to go to this event really bummed me out.  It's the annual Vet Ball, event of the season, the one fun event of the year for guests like me!  It's even on the weekend of our 10-year dating anniversary, which would be icing on the cake to get all glammed up to celebrate.  When I first read (over Pedro's shoulder) that the school was providing "kilt measurements" soon, I practically squealed. Kilts! Fancy kilts and dresses! We haven't been to any kind of event like this since high school (wedding doesn't count). 

S: Why didn't you tell me there was a school ball??

P: I thought it was cancelled, like last year...and the year before that...because of Covid.

And with that, I realized how bad it could be if we went.  I checked the attendance on their facebook page, and saw it was already up to over 400 people. The venue is the usual hotel ball room, which I doubt would be very socially distanced, especially with food and beverages being served. 

We decided nothing is worth breaking our streak of Covid avoidance. This (and the urging from my mother) also pushed me to get the booster shot. 

Let me say first and foremost, the NHS hotline is amazing.  I was absolutely dreading calling a government number (I'm talking to you, America) to figure out what I had to do.  The online system wouldn't allow me to make an appointment because I received my vaccines in The States, so I had no previous information in their system to work with.  I called, followed the automated menu instructions, and got connected to a person that listened to my predicament.  She was able to verify my identity by my GP, and create a whole new record for me in the NHS system. This was all in under 15 minutes, and she was already apologizing for the lengthy phone call. I told her it was absolutely not a problem since in The States, I wouldn't even be speaking to a person yet. She laughed, and then apologized some more. 

So in less than 30 minutes, she created a record and login information for me, found the nearest vaccine location to me (since I'm still not familiar with the area), found me a bus route to get me there (bless her), and scheduled me for the jab tomorrow.  10/10 excellent service!

S: Your turn! Call for the booster, it's easy!

P: Oh, I'm going to get it, but you first. What if you get sick? Then we'll both be knocked out!

S: *rolls eyes*

Hopefully, by next year, social events will feel safe and we can go to the ball...and fingers crossed I can get Pedro in a kilt. 

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