Covid-19 vaccinations: Residents at Emsworth Baptist Church speak of relief after receiving first dose of coronavirus jabs

As the government looks to accelerate its vaccination programme in a race to beat the pandemic, hundreds of elderly residents arrived at Emsworth Baptist Church to receive their jab.

Havant resident Josephine Stevenson, 79, said: ‘I’m really pleased to get the vaccination to help keep me safe and I hope it won’t be too many more months before I can start to live my life more freely again.’

Peter Stubbington, 75, added: ‘I’m happy to have got the vaccine and the process was very efficient and well organised. I’ve had countless vaccinations which have benefited me and it’s really important that people get their Covid vaccination for the benefit of the whole community.’

Peter’s mother, Joyce Stubbbington, 96, also received her vaccination yesterday.

He added: ‘My mother is in a care home and I’m really relieved she has had her vaccine.’

After having contracted Covid in November, Caroline Vine was relieved her mother Pat Palmer, 79, received her first jab.

Caroline said: ‘I had Covid a couple of months ago and was really ill - I nearly ended up in hospital. I’m so relieved my mother has had the vaccine as I know how dangerous a disease this is.’

While people will need to continue to observe Covid guidelines until they receive their second jab in 12 weeks’ time and transmission rates show a significant decline, recipients hope the vaccination programme will allow them to eventually return to the things they enjoy.

Martin Smith, 78, from Bedhampton, said: ‘I’m very relieved to get my vaccine today. I’m really looking forward to getting back to normal life. I can’t wait to start enjoying concerts once again and watching Pompey.’

For Havant resident Dorothy Palmer, 73, a return to normality will mean once again being able to see her grandchildren.

Dorothy said: ‘We have to hope that the vaccination programme will allow us to get back to normal life. I really hope to be able to see my children and grandchildren as I’ve not seen them since the pandemic started in March.’

She also had a message for people who may be reluctant to get the jab.

‘It’s not just about yourself. It’s about protecting others,’ added Dorothy.

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The new vaccination hub is one of three to be set up by the Havant and Waterlooville Primary Care Network with two other sites at Waterlooville and Hayling Island Health Centres.

The Pfizer clinics are targeting the delivery of 1,000 Covid vaccinations every two days.

Hayling Island GP Dr Hannah Morgan, who was helping to deliver the vaccines, said: ‘It’s been an incredibly difficult period for the NHS but there’s a big sense of hope the vaccine programme - alongside other measures - will get us out of this pandemic.

‘Even once you’ve had your vaccine you should wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, wear a face covering in public places and continue to maintain social distancing.’

Dr Morgan also wanted to reassure people about the vaccine’s safety.

She added: ‘This vaccine has been rigorously tested and if anyone has any concerns they should speak to their GP.’

While a significant number of people receiving vaccines were in their 70s the care network confirmed that over-80s remained its priority group and anyone who has missed an appointment will be offered one as ‘soon as the vaccine and a slot becomes available’.

People will be contacted either by a letter or phone call to notify them when it’s their turn to receive the vaccine.

Dr Morgan added: ‘There’s no need to call us as we will be in touch with everyone who is eligible for the vaccination, as soon as we can. We are asking people to be patient – we are not holding reserve stocks of the vaccine and so cannot simply add in extra appointments – but everyone will be invited in due course. It will take time to protect everybody, but we will be in touch with everyone as soon as we possibly can.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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