Cholera, diphtheria, hepatitis, measles, meningitis, mumps, pneumonia, polio, rabies, rubella, tetanus, typhoid, yellow fever and smallpox can all be prevented by vaccination.

These are only the ones I can remember having had offers of injections or oral medicines against during my lifetime. I know there are many others.

The notable one that caused any concern is the only one that I think has now been eradicated. I had a scrape on my arm to inoculate me during the smallpox scare. I was only about twelve. My arm swelled a little and got very hot. During the night I apparently awoke, delirious, and offered to fight my dad, who was still quite capable of knocking me out when I was in my twenties. He doubled up with laughter and my mum led me back to bed.

I only recount this to let my friends know that, despite being now 60 years older than the smallpox incident I fully intend to get the Covid Jabs as soon as possible, although on the "vulnerable" list.

Since the outbreak I have worn a mask to protect my friends, and strangers, not to protect myself. It is for this reason I intend to get inoculated against Coronovirus. For others, not myself. I have a compromised ability to fight infection so if I did get the thing it would probably kill me.

However, I would be devastated to think that, before I died I could infect someone older and even more at risk or someone younger with a lot more life to live.

To those who are worried about the safety of the new vaccine I would suggest that back in the 40s and 50s when my parents took the risk with me, and all my sisters, the safety margins were obviously less solid than today.

However, around us we had examples of friends relatives and neighbours who were living (or Dead) proof of the horrible results of these diseases. Examples that people nowadays do not see because of the effectiveness of the treatments.

Forget the politicians, the drug companies cannot risk mistakes, they have too much to lose and fortunes to gain.

Many quiet heroes and heroines have been volunteering to take these most recent drugs in the last year. Their bravery should not be underestimated or ignored. More than 40,000 people have taken part in each of the trials of the first two sets of drugs on offer.

Because of these people here and abroad the current set of vaccines have been made as safe as possible. Join me in taking a minimal risk on behalf of our families, friends, neighbours and strangers. If we become immune we will pose no risk to others around us and will, hopefully, contribute to the return of a safer, happier world.

Show a little bravery and set a good example to our children in the name of doing something positive for ourselves and for the sake of others.

Geraint Pugh

Shotley Open Spaces volunteer and former secondary school teacher.