A RAPHOE man working as an ICU doctor in Scotland during a ‘different and quite shocking’ wave of Covid-19 has advised people to get their vaccine.

William Shankey Smith is a doctor in the intensive care unit at Ninewells Hospital and Medical School in Tayside, Dundee. The area is experiencing another wave of Covid-19 and Dr Shankey Smith said it is completely different to the other waves experienced at the hospital as more young people have been admitted to hospital.

“This is quite different to what we saw before. Where we were seeing older people before, now it is more the people who are not vaccinated and also young people who are coming into hospital. It has been totally different and quite shocking for us to see that.

“You may think that Covid-19 doesn’t really affect young people but that is not what we are seeing day to day,” said Dr Shankey Smith.

Dr Shankey Smith is urging young people and those who have  not yet been vaccinated to register and get the vaccine so we can return to a normal life.
“For me, there were so many reasons  to get the vaccine,” he said “as soon as it was possible, I wanted it.
“First of all, I wanted to protect myself, allowing me to protect my team mates at work and ensuring people can keep coming in and care for people and also protect my family and friends too.
“The more we get vaccinated, the more we can get opened up and back to normal life,” Dr Shankey Smith.
Addressing the issue of side effects, Dr Shankey Smith said majority of people escape without any side effects and those who do, they are mild.
He continued, “People are worried about side effects.
“We hear things on the Internet and what I would say is by in large, most people really do not have many side effects and even if you do, it is usually mild like a headache or feeling shivery for a day or so –  nothing that Paracetemol can’t cover.

“The positives that come from vaccinating yourself and protecting yourself and those around you is way more than any of the little side effects that you might see.
“I would urge anyone who hasn’t already to get the vaccine,” said Dr Shankey Smith.