OAP ‘honoured’ to have vaccine
A HALIFAX grandma said she was ‘honoured’ to be one of the first people in Calderdale to receive the Covid vaccine.
Dora Hrycak, 93, who lives on Albert Promenade, Halifax, was one of the first people in the district to be vaccinated last week at the town’s Spring Hall Group Practice.
Mrs Hyrcak was identified as a priority group to receive the PfizerBioNTech vaccine, which is being administered to patients over the age of 80.
She said: “My arm has been heavy after the jab, but it’s not going to stop me from making myself a cup of tea.
“It was quick and didn’t hurt at all. It’s an honour and privilege to be one of the first to be vaccinated.”
The health centre, in Spring Hall Lane, off Gibbet Street, is one of many primary care networks across Calderdale providing the latest phase of the life-saving vaccine, with the first clinics starting last week.
The Covid-19 vaccine is being offered as part of the biggest NHS immunisation programme in history.
Dr Peter Davies (circled), who works as a GP at the Local Care District, is the son-inlaw of Mrs Hyrcak, and said the vaccine roll-out across the borough is ‘a big step in getting things back to normal’.
He said: “I’m delighted she’s had the vaccine because she’s safer. Once eligible for the vaccine, I will have my own.
“The vaccine is safe - and the alternative to not receiving it is to remain isolating for the foreseeable.”
Since the first lockdown in
March, Mrs Hrycak has only been out for one meal with family due to her age placing her into a high-vulnerability category.
Now vaccinated, she said she is looking forward to seeing her granddaughter Charlotte over the Christmas holidays. Dr Davies said: “I’m grateful to the staff at Spring Hall GP for their organisation and patience.”
Calderdale Council’s Director of Public Health, Deborah Harkins, said: “Vaccines are the most effective way of preventing people from getting serious infectious diseases. I’m delighted we’re beginning to offer the Covid-19 vaccine to people in Calderdale.”
The NHS will contact people in the priority groups when it is their turn to receive the vaccine.