Man, 81, the first patient to get Covid-19 vaccination in the Black Country
An 81-year-old man has become the first patient to have his Covid-19 vaccination at Walsall Manor Hospital today.
Trevor Kirby, a former heavy plant and HGV technician, was first in line for the the vaccination at the Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust.
Mr Kirby, from Tipton, was also one of the first to receive his polio vaccination in the 1960s.
He said: "We want to eradicate this virus and I think it's important to be vaccinated. We need to look after each other and this is a good way to do that."
The Covid-19 vaccines arrived at the Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust on Monday morning, as it geared up to be the first site in the Black Country and West Birmingham to start administering them to the over 80s and healthcare workers.
Christopher Simmonds, governance technical manager, unpacked the vaccines on Monday – and did the relevant verification checks, before placing them into a freezer to be stored between -60°c and -80°c.
He said: "It is an historical day for the trust as Walsall Healthcare is one of the first in the country to take receipt of the new vaccine.
"It’s actually quite an emotional moment to stop and reflect on the impact immunisation will have will have and I am proud to play my part in this important programme.”
While, intensive care unit (ICU) senior sister Ly Fletcher was accompanied by a round of applause, smiles and the odd tear when she came the first member of staff to receive the vaccination at the hospital on Tuesday.
Ly, who has worked for the trust for 15 years, added: "I always have my flu jab and I wanted to have the Covid-19 jab too to protect everyone – my patients, my colleagues, and my own family.
“Working on ICU throughout the pandemic we have seen first-hand how serious this virus is and I want to do everything I can to stop any more families suffering as a result of it.
"It has been quite emotional actually being the first member of staff to be vaccinated – it’s a big day for everyone involved.”
Earlier today, 90-year-old grandmother Margaret Keenan became the first person in the world to receive the Pfizer Covid-19 jab in Coventry. Margaret, known as Maggie to her friends and family, was given the vaccination by nurse May Parsons at her local hospital.
Maggie, a former jewellery shop assistant who only retired four years ago, will turn 91 next week. She has a daughter, a son and four grandchildren and is looking forward to being able to go out again once she receives the top up dose.
Margaret said: “I feel so privileged to be the first person vaccinated against Covid-19, it’s the best early birthday present I could wish for because it means I can finally look forward to spending time with my family and friends in the New Year after being on my own for most of the year.
“I can’t thank May and the NHS staff enough who have looked after me tremendously, and my advice to anyone offered the vaccine is to take it – if I can have it at 90 then you can have it too."
She will receive a booster jab in 21 days to ensure she has the best chance of being protected against the virus.
May Parsons said it was a “huge honour” to be the first in the country to deliver the vaccine to a patient. May, who works for University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, said: "It’s a huge honour to be the first person in the country to deliver a Covid-19 jab to a patient, I’m just glad that I’m able to play a part in this historic day.
“The last few months have been tough for all of us working in the NHS, but now it feels like there is light at the end of the tunnel.”
