Coronavirus vaccinations start in Plymouth
The over-80s and health care staff are the first in line
The first coronavirus vaccinations have took place in Plymouth yesterday (8 December).
88-year-old Dennis Lyne was the first patient in Devon and Cornwall to receive the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccination, following its clinical approval.
He said:
"I feel now that I am not so vulnerable because obviously I was vulnerable before.
"Of course, everyone is at the moment, but particularly myself because of my age being over 80. Having the vaccine has given me peace of mind.
"In time I’ll be able to go and see my family, its protecting me, protecting them, the people I mix with."
81-year-old Kathleen Viney from Estover also had the jab at Derriford Hospital yesterday.
Speaking about how the vaccine will impact on her life when she has had both doses, Kathleen said:
"It will be nice to go out and have a meal and do some shopping in a big shop instead of just my little store.
"It didn’t take me long to say 'I’d have it done'. It would be very silly not to have it done."
Staff at Derriford are focusing on offering the vaccine to those aged over 80 and those working in care homes first.
Sue Wilkins, Director of Mass Vaccination and Testing at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, said:
"It's a momentous day and it is really exciting to be part of this point in history.
"It has taken a huge effort, involving not just clinical staff, but colleagues from right across our organisation and I am grateful to every single one of them.
"We have seen some delighted patients and I have had conversations with many of them, who could not be more grateful.
"They came in for an outpatient appointment and went home having had that plus a COVID vaccine. Our plans going forward will, of course, be dependent on the rate at which we receive future supplies.
"This is a rolling programme and we will work really hard on using the supplies we receive as quickly as we can.
"We know that the more quickly we are able to administer the vaccine to those people at most risk, potentially the more lives we save."