The six weeks public relations man James Davis was off work battling and recovering from Covid-19 was a first for someone who’s barely taken a sick day in his working life.

He is the kind of workaholic who stays late at the office because he loves what he does - and is happy to go the extra mile. Friends say he’s more used to being ordered to turn off his computer and go home than calling in sick.

But that’s exactly what the normally fit and healthy 45-year-old from Douglas had to do back in July when the aches and headaches he hadn’t been able to shake off were followed by a dry cough, leaving him weak and feverish.

When a test confirmed Covid-19 James made that call to work, stood down his many commitments and took to his bed.

The former Isle of Man Newspapers and Manx Radio reporter, now with Isle of Man Advertising, had been double-vaccinated.

He spent six days in Noble’s where scans showed Covid and traces of pneumonia on his lungs.

But things could undeniably have been much worse without the protection his two doses of Covid-19 vaccine provided, as James recalls vividly: ’I remember being shown the x-ray of my lungs in hospital and it was a real eye-opener.

’The nurse made it very clear that I would have been in intensive care had it not been for the fact I had received both jabs. That and the fact I needed to be on oxygen for six days and nights told its own story.’

Data from recent studies shows that Covid vaccines give more than 90% protection from severe illness, hospitalisation and death. While James was ill enough to need hospital care, he is thankfully, still with us.

His story is a salutary lesson. It shows that even relative immunity to Covid-19 offers vital, potentially life-saving protection. James is well aware that it made all the difference for him: ’Based on my experience, I can honestly say the risk of not having the Covid vaccine far outweighs any doubts about having it and it was clear I’d have been in a more serious position without having had the two doses.’

James is among the 89% of the eligible population - more than 64,700 island residents - who have had two doses of Covid vaccine.

The booster rollout which began in October has some way to go, with the slower rate of take-up in marked contrast to the clamour for first and second doses.

But there is every reason to have a booster. While the immunity gained from our first two doses wanes after six months, a booster will increase protection to over 90% against symptomatic Covid-19. Add to that you’ll be helping protect frontline health services at their busiest time of year, and the reasons to have a top-up jab are compelling.

’The hospital staff literally could not do enough for you’ said. James. ’Most days, I saw a number of them work four or five hours after their shift had ended just to get everything done and cover for colleagues who were isolating.

’Every single one of those nurses, doctors and medical staff were on a mission to help patients recover. I have seen with my own eyes how hard they work and I cannot praise enough the attitude and selflessness of staff on Covid ward.’

He added: ’Vaccines are keeping the vast majority of people with Covid out of hospital. I respect people’s choices but I have no doubt getting the vaccine is the best way to protect yourself, those around you and our amazing health service.’

James has thanked family, friends and colleagues for their support since his illness. He’s making a steady recovery and is now back at work full-time.

He added: ’I am still behind where I would like to be physically, and it takes more of a toll than you realise, but I am miles better than I was and that is down to first-class TLC both at the hospital and at home.’