May a Son Say HaTov VeHaMeitiv When His Father Receives the COVID-19 Vaccine
QUESTION
Chicago, IL
A congregant’s father who has serious medical conditions is scheduled to get the COVID-19 vaccine tomorrow. When he hears the confirmed news of his father receiving the vaccine, could he say a berakhah of shevach and hoda’ah? Would HaTov VeHaMeitiv or HaGomel be appropriate?
ANSWER
As to the question itself HaTov VeHaMeitiv would not be the correct berakhah, as that is only when something directly happens to you. See my teshuva about reciting a berakhah when receiving the vaccine.
