Dear Reader,

Today I received the first of my coronavirus jabs (little tip: if you live in Berlin and are struggling to get an appointment anywhere in town, apply at the vaccine centre at Schönefeld Airport - you’ll get an appointment within days).

I was given Moderna, which is based on the mRNA technology that is also used by BioNTech.

As many of you who’ve already gone through the process will know, it’s a well-drilled affair. You sign in and receive a waiver form, you’re then channelled through to a cubicle by jovial Bundeswehr soldiers.

A doctor meets you, takes your temperature, records what arm you want the shot in, and answers any questions you might have. Another doctor sticks a needle in your arm. You have to wait a further 15 minutes in another waiting room and then you’re free.

One curious thing happened during my appointment.

When I asked the doctor what side effects I should pay attention to, he replied that I had nothing to worry about: I would …