You were talking about your vaccination the other day, Bernie. What sort of questions did they ask before you got the jab?
Name, age, address, as you’d expect, and the NHS letter I’d been sent. Some code on it I think. Very friendly. And a completely painless needle. I wasn’t even convinced she’d done it ‘cos I was looking the other way with my eyes shut!
Any side effects?
Slightly dodgy shoulder muscle and felt dog tired the next day. Apart from that, an absolute doddle. I’d recommend it to all my friends! Even you, Mike! Oh, I did have one other question before the jab that confused me a bit.
What was that, Bernie?
She asked me my ethnicity. I looked confused, I guess, so she rephrased it. ‘How do your regard yourself ethnically?’ I think she asked.
And what did you say, Bernie?
Yorkshire, Mike, Yorkshire. She looked stunned. She looked at her crib sheet and told me that Yorkshire wasn’t on her list of ethnic groups. I wasn’t too pleased, really. Anyway, I then offered English and then British. She gave me a ‘more please’ sort of look.
Ah! Did light eventually dawn, Bernie?
Yes, Mike! After a few seconds I said ‘white British’. She nodded and smiled and the nurse then obliged with the needle. Very odd.
Ah, Bernie, you see, you were born in Yorkshire and brought up in Yorkshire. That’s what you are. If pressed, you’re English. If pressed further, you’re British. At least you eventually realised that she needed you to confirm your ethnicity by saying ‘white British’.
Mmm, yes, Mike, but she was a bit lucky. I was going to tell her I’m a Chelsea supporter!
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