First people vaccinated against Covid in Stafford
"It's very important to get the vaccine and I'm annoyed at people who say they're not going to have it, as without us all having it, we won't conquer coronavirus."
These are the words of Joan McKinley who was one of the first few over-80s to receive the vaccine at Stafford's County Showground on Wednesday.
Vaccines for 975 people had been delivered to the site, which were to be administered over two days.
The 89-year-old, from Parkside in the town, was called by her GP last week and told the news which she thought was "wonderful".
The great-grandmother added: "People should get the vaccine, so many things have been conquered by the vaccines.
"I phoned the family and they said 'Mum, have it', so I had it.
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"I just hope it will be available to everyone.
"My son said to me, don't worry about Covid, you've lived through the war!"
Those who arrived at the showground had to give their details at one desk, then move to another where they are asked a series of health questions then at the third desk they queue for the vaccine.
Peter John Hill, from Highfields, had to discuss his health with a doctor before having the injection.
The 82-year-old then went to sit with others who had received the injection, including his neighbour Jean Wilson, for 15 minutes before they were allowed to go home.
Mrs Wilson, 90, said: "The people have all been so so nice, you don't have to worry about it.
"My family were very, very happy when they knew I was coming, especially my daughter who works in the hospital."
About half of the people helping were paid and half were volunteers, project director Jane Chapman said.
"We only knew for definite we were getting it last Friday," she said. "The vaccine goes to the hospital trust because they've got a deep freezer, we had a medical fridge delivered a few days ago.
"The vaccine has to be used within five days. It has to be reconstituted and it's a very fragile vaccine, if you shake it you could damage it, so we have three pharmacists who put saline in it and rotate it.
"We keep three vials back a day, each has five doses, and we have a list of people and if we don't damage any they can come in at the last minute for a vaccine."
Usually eight per cent of doctors appointments are missed, but as of Wednesday afternoon 100 per cent of appointments had been kept, she added.
Peter Bevan, from Stafford, said the experience was "no different to having a flu jab".
The 83-year-old added: "I got a call from the doctors surgery about 10 days ago. I thought hooray!
"I had no concerns. I've got to wait 21 days before I can have the second one.
"People shouldn't worry and should get it done."
Mr Bevan, a former butcher, has been shielding since March which he said has been "very depressing".
"I'm physically active so over the summer I was in the garden but not in this weather.
"We're still debating what to do about Christmas too."
