24 year-old unpaid carer from Ammanford first in UK to have new Covid vaccine
The first patients received the Moderna jab in Carmarthen this morning
Last updated 7th Apr 2021
A 24-year-old unpaid carer says she's delighted' after becoming the first person in the UK to get the Moderna coronavirus vaccine.
Elle Taylor from Ammanford in Carmarthenshire received the jab at Glangwili hospital this morning.
It's the third to be rolled out here, alongside the Pfizer and AstraZeneca ones.
Miss Taylor said she had not heard of the Moderna vaccine until she was told she was receiving it.
She said she only found out on Tuesday evening that she was to be the first Briton to receive the new jab in the UK.
“It was great, the nurses were lovely and it didn’t hurt,” she said.
Miss Taylor said she was aware of concerns about patients receiving the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine developing blood clots.
“I had heard but it doesn’t concern me too much, and I guess if it happens, it happens and I am in the right care if I need it, and I feel happy that I’ve tried the new one.”
"Thrilled"
Asked how she felt to be a trailblazer for millions of other people, the 24-year-old unpaid carer said:
“I feel thrilled and really happy and honoured, and I just hope it goes well for everybody.
“I’m an unpaid carer for my grandmother so it is very important to me that I get it, so I can care for her properly and safely.
“My grandmother has had her first dose and she is going for her second dose on Saturday.”
"Small victory"
It's thought people in other parts of the country will start receiving it within the next few days.
Welsh Health Minister Vaughan Gething said:
“This is another key milestone in our fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. A third vaccine for use in Wales significantly adds to our defences in the face of coronavirus and will help to protect our most vulnerable.
“Every vaccine given to someone in Wales is a small victory against the virus and we would encourage everyone to go for their vaccine when invited.”
Don’t waste vaccine slots
Mr Gething urged patients not to let vaccines go to waste if they couldn’t make their appointments:
“If people cannot attend their appointment we ask them to let the health board know via the contact details provided in their invitation as this vaccination slot can be offered to someone else rather than be wasted.
“Once you have been vaccinated, you should continue to follow guidance, staying two metres apart, washing your hands and wearing a face covering to protect those around you.
“I want to thank all those who have been working tirelessly to deliver the vaccine across Wales and help us meet our second milestone of offering a vaccine to all phase one priority groups. I also want to thank the 1.5 million people in Wales that have already come forward for their vaccine and done their bit in this national effort.”
The UK's bought 17 million doses - enough for 8-and-a-half million people.