Historic day in Covid battle
VIRUS VACCINE ADMINISTERED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN DERBY
THE first vulnerable patients and NHS staff in Derby have received vaccinations against the Covid-19 virus.
It is hoped that this marks the beginning of the end to the pandemic that has claimed more than 1,000 lives in Derbyshire and Burton and caused widespread hardship.
THE first vulnerable patients and d NHS staff in Derby and Derbyshire e have received vaccinations to pro- tect them against the Covid-19 virus. .
The first day of vaccinations at t Royal Derby Hospital yesterday saw w around 60 people get the vaccine. . The hospital expects that 500 people e will be vaccinated each day in the e city by the middle of next week.
Among the first to get the jab in n Derby was Dr James Crampton, , medical director for quality and d safety at the University Hospitals of f Derby and Burton NHS Foundation n Trust.
He said: “It has been a fantastic day because we have started off the Covid vaccinations for our UHDB patients and vulnerable staff today.
“It’s been a fantastic start to the e day and we are planning to vacci- nate up to 65 people today and d hopefully up to 100 tomorrow, , ramping up to, hopefully, 500 by this s time next week.
“This is a really good day, because after the last nine-to-ten months of real difficulties for both our patients and our staff who have suffered with coronavirus and having friends, patients and relatives with Covid, this is the start of something positive.
“We can start to vaccinate people, reduce the risk of contracting coronavirus and improve healthcare for our community.”
Several of those vaccinated in Derby were not expecting to be part of the historic moment.
Brian and Brenda Freeman, aged 85 and 84, from Smalley, were also among the first to receive the vaccine. One of their grandchildren works at the Royal Derby Hospital.
Former mechanic Mr Freeman said: “It was totally unexpected. I went down with Brenda so that she could have a scan and we were told there was the possibility of getting the vaccine whilst we were there.
“It seemed daft to not take the opportunity to have the vaccine whilst we were there. We were up for it and took the advantage of getting it.
“We were very impressed with how it was all organised. There is nothing to it and there is nothing to worry about at all. I didn’t even feel the needle go in.
“It felt very good to be some of the first people in the world to get it. We just have to go back on the 29th for a booster.
“The effects of Covid and lockdown and Tier 3 has had a huge effect. It is certainly very important that other people take it up.”
Harriet Booth, clinical educator at the trust administered the first vaccine at 8am on Tuesday morning. She said: “I only found out that I was going to be administering the first vaccine on Monday evening, which was a bit of a surprise, but I was just so excited and thought ‘finally, finally we’re getting this moving and starting the ball rolling to start the vaccine.’
“It’s a really, really exciting opportunity, not only for us as staff members to give the vaccine, but also thinking about further ahead.
Being able to give out these vaccines is a light at the end of the tunnel.
“The patients are really excited to be getting this vaccine as well.
“You can just feel a real positive vibe among everyone because of this news. We’re thinking about all our colleagues being able to have the vaccine soon as well, which is really, really exciting.
“I think people are starting to look ahead to the future a bit more and feel a bit more hopeful now that we’ve got something like this.”
Royal Derby Hospital and the Chesterfield Royal Hospital were two of the first 50 hospitals to start the vaccination programme, thanks to their capacity to keep the Pfizer and BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine at minus 70 degrees celsius. The first outpatients to get the vaccine were in their 80s.
Outpatient Shelia Yu from Derby was attending a physiotherapy appointment when she was asked if she wanted to have the vaccine.
She said: “I’ve been following all the media [about the vaccine] and I’m fine with it. I already decided I would take it when it was offered.
Since March I’ve been staying mostly at home and my daughter goes out and does my shopping for me. After the vaccine I might be able to resume my activities like swimming and aerobics, in the new year – I’ve missed those.”
Granddad-of-five Donald Shipley, 87, an outpatient, from Smalley, Derbyshire, was the second patient at the hospital to receive the vaccine.
He said: “I didn’t know that I w was going to be one of the first t to get the vaccine, so it was q quite a surprise to be told that. I’ I’m very pleased that this is n now available. I’m very pleased because it will help us all to get back to normal eventually. “I’ve got five grandchildren an and this will help get me a step cl closer to seeing them all again, as I’ve been self-isolating for a lon long time, for several months no now.
“It gives me a bit of hope for the future. I just think that everyone who is able to get the vaccine should do, so eventually we can get back to normal.” Rheumatology outpatient Shelia Clark, from Derby, has already had the disease and is hoping the vaccine will prevent her getting it again. She said: “I was a bit nervous about having the vaccine today, but it’s got to be done. I’ve followed the vaccine news from the start and I think it’s a good thing, everybody’s got to get back to normal.
“I had Covid in October, and there’s still a risk I could get it again. It will be nice to feel normal, to be able to go out normally and not have to worry.”
Royal Derby Hospital outpatient
It felt very good to be some of the first people in the world to get it.
Brian Freeman
Sheila Smith, who has three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, said: “I think it’s a brilliant thing, so when I was asked if I wanted it, I said ‘yes please – get me to the front of the queue.’
“I look after my husband, who has had his leg amputated, so wanted to make sure I was fit enough to be able to care for him safely.
“Can’t believe I’m one of the first people in the world to receive this vaccine – I’m so grateful. All the staff at the hospital have been amazing.”
The first member of staff at the trust to get the vaccine was Barbara Day, lead nurse for professional development.
After the roll-out to key hospitals this week will follow a much wider community vaccination programme, including other key priority groups of the population.
This will include mass vaccination hubs such as at Derby Arena, along with a large number of community vaccination centres which will be set up across Derby and Derbyshire.
These plans will also see the number of people vaccinated each day in the county increase rapidly.
England’s deputy chief medical officer says the first wave of vaccinations could prevent up to 99 per cent of Covid-19 hospital admissions and deaths.
The UK currently has 800,000 doses of the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine, enough to vaccinate 400,000 people over the next few weeks and months.