Care home vaccines 'light at the end of the tunnel' for York families
The Government says it's now offered a jab to every care home resident in England.
Last updated 1st Feb 2021
It's hoped the families of care home residents across the Harrogate district will get to visit loved ones soon, after a national target was met.
The government says it's now offered a coronavirus vaccine to residents at every eligible care home in England.
A small number of sites haven't yet been visited due to local outbreaks.
Anna McIntee's mum, Margaret Briggs, is in a care home and received her first vaccine in January.
She told Greatest Hits it's brought them "one step closer to normality".
Mrs McIntee, said: "When we actually walk through the door of the care home and go into her room and I can finally put my arms around her - I can't even explain how that will feel.
"I've not hugged my mum in over a year. My Dad hasn't held her for over a year. They're in their seventies and this is the longest they've ever been apart. It's awful, it's been torture for them.
"Now she's had the vaccine we're just that little bit closer to getting back to normality and being able to have a hug and not having to wave through a window anymore.
"At the end of last year there wasn't really any light at the end of the tunnel and now she's had the vaccine there is that light."
Mike Padgham is Chair of North Yorkshire's Independent Care Group, and says: "We're very pleased and the fact that the Government has met the deadline is fantastic news.
"I'm not always one to praise the Government on every issue to do with Covid-19, but credit where it's due. They've done fantastically well, as have the NHS, GPs, staff and local authorities".
Mike says there's still a need for patience for people: "Everyone has been fantastically patient, but it's the second dose that will give more immunity. There's a bit of debate about the length between the first and second dose. We're getting there, but the visiting can't happen quite as fast as we want because we need to keep people safe.
"It's very sad for everyone who has lost their life. It's hard to be over-optimistic or under-optimisic; it's about getting the balance right. We can't be too complacent yet, and need to stick to the rules.
"Social care staff have done a fantastic job putting themselves on the front line, and they're relieved to be getting the first jab".
Mike also has this message for the minority of staff who don't want a jab: "Try and think again about whether it will benefit you. It's been tested, so speak to your colleagues who've had it, and it will protect your families as well.
"It has to be a personal choice for them, and they can't be forced to have one. However, a lot of things depend on it. Think carefully before saying 'I don't want one'. Have another think".