2021 06 01
Article by Justin Kim
一針一針齊抗疫
金正顯 （盧頌欣譯）
最近，我的診所開始爲人打新冠防疫針。這防疫針的程序與記錄與其他一般的防疫針不同。我的團隊要學用一個完全新的數據軟件。當我們開一瓶防疫針藥後，藥物只會在六小時内有效，所以我們一定要預約好要來打針的人士，才不會浪費寶貴的防疫針藥。整個程序需要很多功夫，令我的團隊很忙碌，特別是在第一天。當我終於坐下來小休，一個熟悉的的感受臨到我。上一次我有這樣的感覺是幾個月前我自己接受防疫針的時候。
當我預備接受新冠防疫針時，我沒有預料到會有什麽反應。每年秋季，我都會打防流感針。我有責任去打所有與我有關的防疫針來保護我的病人。我照常地捲起衣袖，接受第一劑新冠防疫針。不料，我的眼睛竟然被淚水充滿了。不，那針並不很痛。那些是歡欣的淚，因爲我們向疫症大流行的終點走近了一步；那些是有愧的淚，因爲我很多職員、病人、同事、家人、和朋友當時都未能接受防疫針，而我卻因爲要在醫院工作而可以打針了；那些是驚異的淚，因爲科學又再次幫了忙；那些是感激的淚，因爲很多人的辛勞，我能夠打針；那些是舒一口氣的淚，因爲疫症大流行的完結可能近了一點。
當我在診所裏為人打新冠防疫針時，病人的反應把我的回憶帶回來。他們微笑，還感謝我。他們開心地在診所裏按要求逗留十五分鐘，離開時脚步更輕鬆了。雖然我接受過很多訓練去保持專業，但我也免不了成為這喜樂場合的一部分。我很高興我能為人打新冠防疫針，也能繼續在診所照顧病人。我很高興能夠與病人分享這舒一口氣的感受，也喜見更多人受保護，盡量減低感染新冠病毒的機會。我對能夠一起擊敗這疫症更加有希望。感謝神，我能夠一針又一針地分享他的愛。
“要常常喜樂， 不住地禱告，
凡事謝恩，因為這是神在基督耶穌裡向你們所定的旨意。”
帖撒羅尼迦前書 5:16-18
阿們。
One jab at a time
Author: Justin Kim
Recently, my clinic began administering COVID-19 vaccines. The procedure and documentation were different from those of the usual vaccines we give in the office. My team and I had to learn a whole new database program. Once a vaccine vial was opened, it was only good for 6 hours, so we had to organize all the appointments in advance to prevent wasting the precious vaccines. The whole process was a lot more work and it kept us very busy, especially on the first day. When I finally sat down to take a break, a familiar emotion came upon me – one that I have not felt since I got my own COVID-19 vaccine a few months ago.
When I was getting ready to receive my COVID-19 vaccine, I did not expect to feel much reaction. I was used to getting my annual influenza vaccines in the same hospital every fall. It was my duty to protect my patients by getting all the relevant vaccines. So, as I would usually do, I rolled up my sleeve and got my first COVID-19 vaccine. Unexpectedly, my eyes started to well up with tears. No, the needle did not hurt that much. Those were tears of joy that we were one step closer to the end of the pandemic. Those were tears of guilt that so many of my staff, patients, colleagues, family, and friends were still not on the vaccine list, and I got one due to my hospital work. Those were tears of wonder that science came through once again. Those were tears of appreciation for all those who made this vaccine possible. Those were tears of relief that the end of the pandemic may be one step closer.
As I was administering the COVID-19 vaccines in my office, my patients’ reactions must have jogged my memory. They smiled. They thanked me. They happily waited the required fifteen minutes in the office after their jab. They left the office with an extra bounce in their steps. Despite all the training for me to stay professional, I could not help but become a part of that joyful occasion. I was thankful that I could administer the COVID-19 vaccines and continue to care for my patients, both in my regular office. I was happy that I was able to share the sense of relief with my patients. I was glad that a few more people became protected from COVID-19. I became more hopeful that we could beat this pandemic together. I thank God that I was able to share His love, one jab at a time.
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Amen.