103-YEAR-OLD ANNE THRILLED TO GET VACCINE

HAS SEEN TWO PANDEMICS

ANNE Downey from Mountbagnal, who celebrated her 103rd birthday last June, was among the senior citizens who got their vaccines at the Carlingford Medical Centre last week. She was accompanied to the centre by her son Patrick, who returned home from Australia to care for her last March.

‘It was really well organised. They sent a Red Cross mini-bus which can accommodate wheelchairs and she enjoyed the journey as she could see out across the countryside,’ Patrick said.

His mother is still alert and knows what it going on and the importance of getting the vaccine.

‘ This is the second pandemic that she has lived through as she was a baby during the Spanish flu which went on until 1919.’

However, he said that Anne finds it difficult to understand why she can’t have visitors and they are hopeful that her family, which includes sisters Bernie, Phil and Gretta, grandchildren and great grandchildren, will be to resume visiting her.

Patrick was very impressed by the way in which the vaccination clinics were held at the Carlingford Medical Centre.

‘ They did a terrific job. It was highly organised.’

He is looking forward to getting the vaccine himself in the coming weeks, as he is in his seventies.

‘We had a great couple of days. The mood was euphoric,’ GP Dr John McKeown said.

The centre held two clinics last Tuesday and Wednesday morning to vaccinate almost 100 of their patients aged 85 years and over.

Two teams of one doctor and one nurse worked for three hours each morning delivering the first dose of the vaccine to the grateful patients who were delighted

‘We had quite a few patients who had to come in their wheelchairs and there was a great show of enthusiasm by them all to get the vaccine.’

He said that they will continue with the vaccination clinics for the different age cohorts as they get supplies and they are notifying patients as to when to attend for their jabs.

The over 80s are next up to receive the vaccine.

‘We have about the same number of patients in that age group.’

He welcomed the roll-out of the vaccine to the elderly living in the community.

‘It’s great news both from the patients’ point of view and their families and for ourselves that we are able to give the vaccine and protect our patients.’

Alex Coroliu. Photo, 103-year-old Anne Downey of Mountbagnal, Riverstown, Dundalk with her GP Alina Coroliu from Carlingord Medical Centre after receiving first jab of COVID-19 vaccine on Wednesday last.

Photo, Alex Coroliu. Staff of Carlingford Medical Centre with 103-year-old Anne Downey of Mount Bagnall,Riverstown, Dundalk and her son Patrick Downey after receiving the first vaccine jab for Covid-19 last Wednesday.