HA’WAY THE JABS!
Great-gran Nancy among the first to receive Covid vaccine just ahead of her 100th birthday
The family of 99- year-old Sunderland great-grandmother have spoken of her joy as Covid-19 vaccinations are set to begin in Sunderland.
After not been able to see her elderly mother for most of the year, Brenda Cunningham, from Fatfield, has said she is “overwhelmed” by the news that her mum Nancy Rooks will be one of the first in Sunderland to get the vaccine.
Nancy, who is from Grindon, will celebrate her 100th birthday on January 4, 2021, has been unable to see her two children, four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren since the pandemic broke out in March.
Brenda, 66, said: “During the first lockdown, she was confined to her apartment so that was extremely difficult for her.
"She really struggled as she used to go to Age UK lunches three times a week, so it’s the social side of life that she is really missing.
"She loves being out and about doing things.”
It was confirmed on December 2 that the vaccine developed by Pfizer & BioNTech had been approved for mass roll out in the UK, with Nancy set to receive hers tomorrow – just weeks before her 100th birthday.
The 99-year-old from now lives in a care-scheme apartment after living in the same council house in Grindon for 70 years which led to her being named as Gentoo’s longest serving tenant.
Brenda added :“It was such a relief when we found out there would be a vaccine, mum keeps ringing as she wants to go out.
"Unfortunately, we can’t plan to celebrate her birthday until we know what’ s happening with the restrictions.
"So we’ll have to see if we can do something for her at her home.
"She enjoys going out for a Sunday lunch, so hopefully we can look forward to that when it is safe to do so.”
Vaccine sin S underland will begin today, at the Grindon Lane Primary Care Centre, with care home residents, people aged 80 and over, along with a number of NHS staff at the front of the queue.
Sunderland City Council confirmed in November that plans are in place to administer about 18,000 vaccines a week – with the whole of the over -50 population across Wearside to be vaccinated by the end of February.