‘Momentous’ day as first Covid-19 vaccinations roll-out in Calderdale
CALDERDALE RESIDENTS have started to receive the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in the borough, as the rollout of the biggest vaccination programme in NHS history gains further momentum.
Resham Bi, aged 83 from Halifax, became the first person in Calderdale to receive the PfizerBioNTech vaccine at a Calderdale GP practice on Tuesday with further residents booked in throughout the rest of the week.
The Chair of NHS Calderdale CCG, Dr Steven Cleasby, said: “I’d like to thank all of the clinical and support staff working across Calderdale who are working so hard, at such a busy time of year for the NHS, to get this vaccine to those who are most at risk from this virus.
“We are working hard to keep people safe, and the NHS is very busy at the moment. So, we are asking people to help us by not contacting their GP practice for information on the vaccine.
“We will let you know when it’s your turn. When we do contact you, please make sure you attend your appointments. And most importantly, please keep following government advice: wash your hands regularly, wear a face covering in enclosed spaces and maintain social distancing wherever possible to protect yourself and your family from the coronavirus.
Staff at hospitals, GP practices and healthcare settings are working to put in place safe processes to meet the logistical challenges of offering the vaccination. The NHS will contact people in the priority groups when it is their turn to receive the vaccine.
AFTER RECEIVING the PfizerBioNTech Covid inoculation, Resham said:
“I encourage all my brothers and sisters to get this vaccine done, it’s for our safety. I’ve had the injection and I’m absolutely fine.
“I couldn’t feel any pain and I can’t tell whether I’ve had the injection or not, it was painless.”
Calderdale Council’s Director of Public Health, Deborah Harkins, added: “Vaccines are the most effective way of preventing people from getting serious infectious diseases I’m delighted that we’re beginning to offer the COVID-19 vaccine to people in Calderdale.