World Opinions Débats De Société, Questions, Opinions et Tribunes.. La Voix Des Sans-Voix | Alternative Média
A 90-year-old woman has become the first patient in the world to receive the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine after its approval in the UK, where the NHS has launched its biggest vaccine campaign.
Margaret Keenan received the jab at about 6.45am in Coventry, marking the start of a historic mass vaccination programme.
Up to four million more are expected by the end of the month.
Hubs in the UK will vaccinate over-80s and some health and care staff – the programme aims to protect the most vulnerable and return life to normal.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who has dubbed Tuesday V-day, said this simple act of vaccination was « a tribute to scientific endeavour and human ingenuity and to the hard work of so many people.
« Today marks the start of the fightback against our common enemy, the coronavirus, » he said.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson, on a visit to a London hospital to see some of the first people getting the jab, said getting vaccinated was « good for you and good for the whole country ».
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: « Today we should all allow ourselves a smile – but we must not drop our guard. »
At University Hospital, Coventry, matron May Parsons administered the very first jab to Ms Keenan.
« I feel so privileged to be the first person vaccinated against Covid-19, » Ms Keenan, who is originally from Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, said.
« 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.
« 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 added.
Prof Stephen Powis, national medical director of NHS England, who witnessed the « historic moment », said: « We couldn’t hug her but we could clap and everybody did so in the room. »
The second person vaccinated in Coventry was William Shakespeare, 81, from Warwickshire, who said he was « pleased » to be given the jab and hospital staff had been « wonderful ».
World Opinions News – bbc.com
