Care staff get first Covid vaccines
TWO care home workers from Rossendale are among the first in the county to receive the Covid-19 vaccination.
Emma Bingham, from Rawtenstall, and Tracey Booth, from Shuttleworth, Ramsbottom, were vaccinated earlier this month.
Emma, 44, and Tracey, 54, have both worked in Rossendale care homes, but are currently employed at Jasmine Court in Chorley.
They have served in the care sector for a combined 67 years.
Like so many workers in the sector, the pandemic has profoundly affected them both professionally as well as personally.
In March, activities coordinator Tracey was instructed to shield for three months. She said: “Like so many other people in the country I found this a very difficult time and in June returned back to the job I love, understanding the full risk I was taking, especially in a care home.
“I have never been excited about a vaccination and usually decline the annual flu vaccine but I felt strongly about the covid vaccination to protect myself, our residents and other people.
“I also have a feeling of relief about the country getting back to normal.
“We both have no side effects and feel fine; the staff at the vaccination centre were also in high spirits and friendly.”
Care home manager Emma overcame personal doubts about the vaccination and wanted to lead by example to her staff team and protect her residents. She also wants these difficult times to be over and get back to normal. Emma said: “It’s been a very difficult and challenging time to keep our home Covid-free, staff making so many sacrifices and working hard and constantly worrying about the virus coming to our home. It’s been a long hard year – we are so close to getting through this now.”