‘Getting jabbed is still the best thing we can do’
A NEWCASTLE campaigner and grandfather who was one of the first people in the world to be vaccinated against coronavirus has urged others to get jabbed one year on.
On December 8, 2020, Dr Hari Shukla became the first person in the North East to be jabbed when he received the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle.
The 88-year-old race relations campaigner, who lives in Chapel House, got the vaccine alongside his wife Ranju Shukla.
Dr Shukla said: “It’s been exactly one year since we had our first jab and fortunately we were one of the first people in the world to have it.
“When I received a call saying we were starting this campaign, would you help, I was delighted. When my wife and I had our jabs, people were wondering whether we were suffering from side effects.
“There had been quite a lot of information going around that was not right.
“People were confused and didn’t really know whether to have it but we had no effect at all and we were told by the doctors if we had any they could deal with it.
“All the communities found out we had the jabs and they started ringing us. We also had calls from Australia, India, Canada.”
Dr Shukla said everyone has got to “do what we can” to protect others and reassured people who are still unsure that the vaccine is safe.
He said: “We have got to rely on the scientists; they are the best people to tell us what to do and what not to do.
“If you get the virus then it could spread to other people so you’re not only getting the vaccine to protect yourself but to protect everybody else.
“Everyone has got to work together and do what we can.
“I think wearing masks and keeping your distance is important but the most important thing is getting vaccinated to protect people.
“People who are still worried, I have been told 100 times it’s safe, you really don’t have to worry about it. You gain confidence when you get it.”
More than 15 million vaccine doses have now been delivered in the North East and Yorkshire, including 2.7 boosters
This week, the region’s health leaders paid tribute to an exceptional collective effort involving thousands of people which has seen up to 626,000 jabs delivered in a single week at more than 500 vaccination sites.
Dr Yvette Oade, NHS clinical lead for the Covid-19 vaccination programme for North East and Yorkshire, thanked everyone involved, and urged people to get their booster vaccination, or first or second jabs where necessary.
She said: “Across our region hard-working staff continue to go above and beyond to offer life-saving protection, against coronavirus, to the most vulnerable as quickly as possible.
“This week we proudly acknowledge the commitment and dedication of teams at hospital hubs, vaccination centres, GP surgeries and community pharmacies.
“The emergence of the Omicron variant is a significant concern for all, and my message to all of those eligible for the booster – which is anyone over the age of 40 years, those with health conditions, and health and care workers – is come forward for your vaccination.
“Whether it is for your first, second, third, booster or flu vaccination, we’re just over two weeks from Christmas and very much looking forward to spending time with loved ones, so do come forward to give yourself and those around you vital protection and peace of mind.”
The NHS will aim to offer everyone eligible their booster jab by the end of January.
It will contact each group when it is their turn to get vaccinated.
You really don’t have to worry about getting the jab. You gain confidence when you get it Dr Hari Shukla