I’m delighted to say that Scunthorpe has received its first batch of the vaccines, with our over 80s now being invited to our Vaccination Hub to get their jab. Our local health teams have worked incredibly hard on this and they’ve done us proud.
The sites build on the work of the scores of hospital hubs which began vaccinating last week, with 90-year old Margaret Keenan receiving her first dose in Coventry last Tuesday. As you may know, I stood up in the Commons to seek assurances from the Health Secretary that we would be among the next places to receive a vaccination hub; we have done so and have got to work right away.
Harry and Mary Williams, 91 and 88, were among the first people to receive the vaccine today. They have just celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary together. Mary said “It’s been hard self-isolating. We’ve missed our friends. This vaccine gives us hope.”
For those in the priority groups, please remember that the NHS will contact you when it is your turn to recieve the vaccine. For most people this will be a letter, either from their GP or the national NHS.
Phased vaccine supply means the bulk of vaccination for high risk groups will inevitably take place between January and April, so continued compliance with the guidance is required to prevent a third wave of Covid.
There is light at the end of the tunnel; with one last push, our area can limit the impacts on lives and local services.