Vaccines bring sense of relief and hope for future

Almost 12,000 people registered with GPs in the Horsham area have now received vaccinations against Covid-19.

While concerns remain over the gap between the first and second doses, the sense of relief among those who have had their turn is palpable.

Horsham was quick off the mark with its vaccination programme compared to many places – Park Surgery was among the first venues to get up and running in midDecember and was closely followed by the venues at Christ’s Hospital, Pulborough Medical Group, and Storrington’s Glebe Surgery.

And reports from those who have used the venues have been filled with praise for the brilliant organisation, clear signs and procedures, friendly and helpful volunteers and medical staff.

All are warned that it’s not a magic bullet, that you still have to socially-distance and follow the rules.

But mostly, the vaccine centres in our area are bringing the thing that we need most - hope that this awful episode will now have an end in sight. That we can once again have family parties, that grandchildren and grandparents can enjoy a cuddle and perhaps a bedtime story in real life rather than via a videolink.

We might have become adept at communicating using electronic devices, but it can’t ever replace the joy at simply being together.

Support visits on the doorstep are important, but can sometimes just emphasise the distance between us.

This pandemic isn’t over yet and will undoubtedly cast a long shadow.

And there are worrying signs that the lockdown is being increasingly ignored by reckless people.

Don’t let us undermine the amazing work being done by our NHS workers at this stage by becoming blasé. We still all need to stick to the guidance wash our hands, wear a mask, and avoid putting ourselves and our loved ones at needless risk.

With any luck, the end could be in sight, if we continue to work together and look after one another.