Devon man, who caught COVID-19, urges others to get vaccinated
Ross Bright, who is in his 20s, caught the virus shortly after getting his first jab - but says things could have been much worse without it
A man from Devon who caught COVID-19 says it was much worse than he could have imagined.
Ross Bright, who is in his 20s, caught the virus shortly after having his first jab - but says a friend of his who was unvaccinated ended up in hospital.
Ross said he was surprised at how unwell he was:
"My initial perception of COVID was that it was like a bad cold, but I was bedridden for a week with a chesty cough, incredibly sore eyes and a migraine. I still have a chesty cough.
"I’m incredibly grateful to have had the first jab. My friend who hadn’t had either dose ended up in hospital."
Ross Bright
People in Devon are being reminded that it is not too late to get their first or second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
The NHS Devon Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) says having both doses of the jab is the best way to protect yourself and others from coronavirus and the potential long-term effects.
According to a study by King’s College London, after the second dose your chances of developing Long COVID halve. It also significantly reduces your chances of needing treatment in hospital and the severity of symptoms.
Leigh Mansfield, Operational Lead for Exeter Greendale Vaccination Centre, said: "We know some people were initially hesitant to have the vaccine, but it’s not too late. You will still receive a warm and friendly welcome from our staff and volunteers.
"As the autumn weather gets colder and wetter it’s harder to meet friends and family outside. It’s really important to have both jabs so that if you do catch COVID you reduce the chances of passing on the virus and you’re less likely to be as poorly."
Leigh Mansfield - Operational Lead for Exeter Greendale Vaccination Centre
How can I have the vaccine?
People can find their nearest walk-in clinic on NHS England’s site finder here or book via the National Booking System online or by calling 119. Details of walk-in clinics are also shared on NHS Devon CCG’s social media pages.
First doses being given in Devon are currently Moderna or Pfizer in line with government guidance for people aged under 40.
Clinics offering second doses of Astra Zeneca
People who have had a first dose of Astra Zeneca (AZ) can have their second dose at various locations.
Booked appointments are available through GPs at; Follaton House in Totnes, Culm Valley Integrated Centre for Health in Cullompton, Dawlish Community Hospital, Newton Abbot Racecourse, Seaton Community Hospital and the English Riviera Centre in Torquay.
Drop in AZ clinics are available daily at Greendale vaccination centre from 8.30am-7pm and at Frankfort Gate in Plymouth on Thursdays between 4.30pm and 5.30pm.
Further clinics are due to be held at Barnstaple Leisure Centre. Dates and times will be shared on social media.
Vaccine take-up in Devon
More than 1.8million doses been given in Devon, with NHS data for Devon showing good levels of take-up.
However, the difference in take-up between first and second dose varies by nearly 10% for 30-34-year-olds and shows around 1 in 20 40-44-year-olds who got a first dose have not yet got the second one.
In most age groups more women have been vaccinated than men.