"Having the vaccine won't change my behaviour - I'll continue to obey the rules"

“As activities coordinator, my time in this past few months has largely consisted of helping our residents to write letters, or make phone and video calls with relatives.

"It’s been heartbreaking at times to see them unable to reach out and touch those they love, but our team has done everything in its power to make this time easier.”

Rachel, aged 48, has already received both parts of her Covid-19 vaccination, and has urged others to follow suit as soon as they’re eligible.

"Our manager is really hot on COVID and she made sure we all had the number to call to book our vaccinations as soon as we could,” she says.

"Our care home residents haven’t had theirs yet, but I was due to have an operation this month, so I had to get mine sorted as a priority.

"It was all done very well; the staff were organised, informed, and efficient, and apart from an achey arm, I haven’t had any side effects.

"I think it’s ridiculous when you hear people talking about not getting the vaccine – and to those conspiracy theorists who are worried about government microchips, I’d say just get on with it – unless you’ve got something to hide.”

Dave Jowitt, aged 65, works as a dispensary assistant at a pharmacy, and had the first part of his vaccine last Friday.

"We use an app to look for any available vaccine slots, and I was able to get one the same day,” says the married father-of-two.

"My appointment took about 90 minutes, as they were dealing with such a large volume of people, but it was all done very well - very well organised and professional.”

Dave has been visiting care homes throughout the pandemic to make deliveries, but says he’s always been very careful, as have his colleagues, which has given him the security necessary to do his job.

"I’m pleased to have had the first part of the vaccine, but it won’t change my behaviour at all,” says Dave, who is due to get the next part of the vaccine in March.

"I’ll be careful, taking precautions, and continuing to obey the rules - my colleagues and I that have had the vaccine won’t be relaxing at all.”

Rachel, who has worked throughout 2020, says that, while a difficult year for so many, 2020 also brought its unexpected positives.

"We have certain residents with huge families who used to visit all the time, and due to Covid-19, we’ve been able to spend much more time with them, getting to know them really well, and building incredibly strong relationships.

"When I was off work ill recently, I had to have video calls with my residents, as I was missing them.

She adds: "If you’re eligible for the vaccine, please do get it.

"And please wear a mask if you possibly can – I’m asthmatic, as is my son, but neither of us would go without a mask.”