‘Light at the end of the tunnel’ as UHDB administer Covid-19 vaccine
UHDB has today started administering the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine at Royal Derby Hospital.
The vaccine was first offered to UHDB outpatients over 80 years old, who were already attending hospital for an appointment.
Donald Shipley was one of the first patients, in the UK, to receive the vaccine at Royal Derby Hospital and said: “I didn’t know that I was going to be one of the first to get the vaccine, so it was quite a surprise to be told that! I’ve got five grandchildren and this will help get me a step closer to seeing them all again, I’ve been self-isolating for a long time. It gives me a bit of hope for the future.”
Throughout the day, 100 vaccinations were administered by UHDB staff, with any appointment not taken up by a patient, being filled by healthcare workers at the highest risk of a serious illness if they were to contract coronavirus.
As part of the vaccination process, all those who received the jab will need to return after 21 days for a second booster.
Clinical Educator Harriet Booth, who administered the very first vaccine at Royal Derby Hospital this morning, said: “It’s a really, really exciting opportunity, not only for us as staff members to give the vaccine but also thinking about further ahead. Being able to administer these vaccines is a light at the end of the tunnel. The patients are really excited to be getting this vaccine as well.
“You can just feel a real positive vibe amongst everyone because of this news. We’re thinking about all of our colleagues being able to have the vaccine soon as well, which is really, really exciting. I think people are starting to look ahead to the future a bit more and feel a bit more hopeful now that we’ve got something like this.”
Gavin Boyle, Chief Executive at UHDB, said: “It’s an exciting day here at UHDB and there’s a real sense of optimism as we begin the roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccine. It feels like we’re starting to turn the tide against the virus after what has been a really challenging period, so today is a big step forward.”
“We’ve had a really good uptake so far. We’ve been vaccinating patients over the age of 80 and they have been really positive about it. At UHDB, we’ve received our first batch of 975 vaccine doses which we will need to use within five days, so where there are gaps in appointments for patients, we’re also offering the jab to members of Team UHDB who have underlying health conditions too.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone at UHDB - I couldn’t be more proud of how you’ve all responded to this pandemic, and that includes everyone who is involved in implementing the vaccination programme. It is a challenge to vaccinate such a large number of patients, and I understand that there will be some eagerness and anxiety about receiving the vaccine, but please do not call our hospitals in an attempt to book an appointment. We will approach you when the time is right through established channels so that you can be vaccinated safely.
“As much as this is good news, now is not the time to become complacent. Although the number of patients with Covid-19 has fallen, our hospitals are still busy and we’re caring for around 200 patients with the virus, and our Intensive Care Units are still experiencing a lot of pressure. So please, remember the basics of social distancing, wearing a mask and observing good hand hygiene to limit the spread of the virus.”
When it’s the right time, people will receive an invitation from their GP or the national NHS, to come forward to receive the vaccine. Please do not contact the NHS to get an appointment until you get this letter.