Former Sutton NHS worker becomes first person to get Covid-19 vaccine in North Nottinghamshire

Today (Tuesday) Sherwood Forest Hospitals began vaccinating patients against coronavirus at its hospital hub in the biggest immunisation programme in NHS history.

Ann Allen, 81, from Sutton, was a physiotherapy assistant at King’s Mill Hospital for 27 years. She is the first at the trust to have the vaccine and received her jab from Covid-19 Vaccinator, Liz Gethings, from Nottinghamshire Healthcare Trust.

Ann said: “I can’t believe I’m the first person in this area I feel privileged to be part of this moment in history. I have spent a lot of this year on my own keeping safe, so to have the vaccine and know I’m going to be protected soon is such a relief, my family will be pleased.

“We have all made so many sacrifices this year, and I want us to have a more normal year next year where we can see family again, and travel – we’re planning to go to the Italian Lakes in the autumn.

“I have seen nothing like this in all my years, and my advice to anyone offered the vaccine is if you can, you should. I would also like to recognise all of the wonderful NHS staff who have worked so hard this year.”

Ann will receive a booster jab in 28 days, essential to ensure that the vaccine provides protection.

Chief Nurse for Sherwood Forest Hospitals, Julie Hogg said: “This is a momentous moment for the trust and for Ann. I’m so proud of everyone who has been involved in setting up the vaccination hub at Sherwood and I’d like to thank them for their hard work and dedication.

“We are continuing to work with our partners to ensure we can vaccinate those with most need as outlined by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

"Although it is really exciting that we have begun vaccinating people, I would like to remind people that they should not come to the hospital for a vaccine and we will contact people to arrange an appointment when they need to attend.

“Vaccination is only one step in the fight against Coronavirus and we all still need to remain vigilant and follow the local COVID alert level restrictions, wash our hands, wear a face mask and socially distance.”

There are 50 hubs in the first wave and patients aged 80 and above who are already attending hospital as an outpatient, and those who are being discharged home after a hospital stay, are among the first to receive the jab.

Sherwood Hospital will also work with care home providers to book their colleagues in to vaccination clinics.

Appointments not used will be used for healthcare workers who are at highest risk of serious illness from Covid or who look after the most vulnerable patients.

It involves an injection in the shoulder and needs to be stored at -70C before being thawed out and can only be moved four times within that cold chain ahead of use.