Today is the day for that special appointment that I mentioned. It is when we go for our second Covid-19 vaccinations (see Appointments with a needle (Part 1) for background).

Hearing that the government was planning to postpone the second jabs, a policy criticised by WHO and other expert bodies, we were relieved when today dawned without a our appointments being cancelled or postponed.

Shooting the sun in Claremont Square

Before that, however, we had an errand to run in Amwell Street. In my account of trying out the laundry service offered by Amwell Dry Cleaners (see here and here), I left out one important detail: when we checked the returned laundry, three items were missing. So this morning, we went to ask whether these items had been found. This is crucial if we are going to continue using their service. I’m happy to relate that the items had been found and were duly returned to us. So far, so good, and we will use their service again.

Sunshine in Mylne Street and Claremont Square

Although it was cold, the sun was shining and there was no sign of the threatened snow (see photo above) that could disrupt transport. This was a relief as it was important that we keep our appointments and not be late.

The 476 bus arrives

As on the first occasion, I navigated to go to the medical center and Tigger navigated on the way back. We took the 476 which deposited us in York Way beside King’s Cross Station. (I cheated by using the Apple Maps app on my phone, whereas Tigger needs no assistance in finding her way around London.)

York Way where we changed buses

At the same stop we changed to the 91 which took us almost to the door. (Yes, that’s my shadow in the photo.)

Aboard the 91

During lockdown, we are not supposed to travel outside our immediate neighbourhood unless it is for legal reasons such as going to work or attending medical appointments ut as the latter was the case, we were acting quite properly.

Hornsey Road and Hanley Road

From the bus stop called Bavaria Road, we needed to walk a little way along the main thoroughfare, Hornsey Road, and then turn right along Hanley Road, where the medical centre is situated.

Hanley Road

We followed Hanley Road on the left side which was the sunny side and therefore warmer than the shady side!

One of the neighbours
Photo by Tigger

Along the way we met one of the neighbours. He said hello and then indicated that he wanted to go into the house. We couldn’t help with that, of course, and so bade him adieu.

When we arrived at the medical centre, we were quite early – over half an hour – and I thought they might not let us in so as to avoid overcrowding. Also, our appointments were about two hours apart so they might expect us to go away and come back for Tigger’s later appointment. Instead, they let us in straightaway and gave us both our vaccinations. We are now each the proud possessor of a credit-card sized card that records our vaccination details – useful if we ever have to prove that we are vaccinated.

Waiting 15 minutes before leaving
Photo by Tigger

After the vaccination, you are asked to wait 15 minutes before leaving in case of after effects. While waiting for the hour of our release, Tigger took this photo of me. It is rather unflattering but I decided to post it as I am sure you can bear it!

Hanley Road and the medical centre

Navigating in her turn, Tigger took us to a bus stop in Hanley Road itself. From the stop, I took this photo looking back towards the medical centre which is on the corner with Ormond Road.

Archway

The first bus, a 210, brought us here, to Archway, where we transferred to a 390 which brought us back to King’s Cross.

Pentonville Road

At this bus stop at the bottom end of Pentonville Road, we caught a 214. This too was Tigger’s suggestion because it stops right beside Saint Espresso where we thought we could buy coffee to take home. Unfortunately, they were closed even though the staff were still within.

Islington High Street

So we walked to here, Islington High Street (perhaps you recognise it from previous photos). Why? Well, because..,

Starbuck’s

…here lives a branch of Starbuck’s. They were open. So we bought our coffees and made quickly for home.

So what about the future? We are not silly enough to think that we are now “immune”. For one thing, the vaccine is rated 95% effective, meaning that we still have a small but positive chance of becoming infected even though vaccinated. In the second, it takes time (I have seen three weeks quoted) for the body to produce the full complement of antibodies. So care is required during and even after the ensuing three weeks.

We shall therefore continue following the rules of social distancing, wearing masks, etc., in short whatever rules are in force at the time, until the pandemic ends. Not to do so would be unwise for our own sake and cause unnecessary risk to others.