Front-line nurse is first in county to receive Covid jab on ‘V Day’

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THE first person in Gloucestershire to get the coronavirus vaccine was a front-line nurse.

Kerry Holden had her vaccination on Tuesday morning and said of the experience: “I’m really pleased to be the first person to be vaccinated.

“As someone who is higher risk, I hope this encourages others to have their vaccination, too.”

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said on Twitter: “Today is ‘V’ for Vaccination Day here at Gloucestershire Hospitals.”

It added: “As we start the Covid-19 vaccination programme, we are proud to be one of 50 hospitals in England starting the programme, I couldn’t be more proud of the implementation team and our fabulous vaccinators.”

Ms Holden’s vaccine was administered by nurse Lorna at a hospital hub in Gloucester, the first of several vaccines that were given the same day.

Deborah Lee, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust chief executive, said: “After a year in which we have faced challenges of a scale never seen in the NHS’S history, I am delighted that we will be leading the programme to deliver a Covid-19 vaccine to help protect people in Gloucestershire.

“I could not be more proud of the way that my colleagues across Gloucestershire health and care system have cared for patients and their families who were affected by Covid-19 during this pandemic and I know that they will show the same unwavering commitment to delivering this vaccine.”

She added: “Our Gloucestershire model for delivering this vaccine has been designed to take into account the nature and needs of our county; it will make use of our tried and tested immunisation model which will see GPS and other colleagues working in primary and community care a vital part of our approach.”