Local Covid vaccinations in full swing

Local Covid vaccinations in full swing

The Covid-19 vaccination roll out is in full swing in North East Lincolnshire today (Thursday) after a 91-year-old former nurse became the first woman in the area to get the jab.

Mary Wheatley (pictured above) was among the first in the queue at the Beacon Medical Cleethorpes Primary Care Centre yesterday.

She said: “I’m very grateful, I’m very lucky.”

And when asked what she would say to people who are concerned about having the vaccine, Mary added: “Well I think you’d be more concerned if you had the virus. It’s not good complaining if you’ve got it and refused the vaccine.”

Paula Donaldson, Practice Nurse (pictured), said: “It’s been a little chaotic but we’re getting into a system.

“We’re well used to it being busy. We’ve had lots of training and run-throughs so we will manage. Staff have had a lot of training.

“Staff have been fantastic – they’ve done a lot in their own time and I’m super proud of our team.”

She added: “Most people can’t wait to get the vaccine.”

Margaret and Stan Reeves, who have been married for 64 years, were also top of the list and said: “We didn’t feel a thing. We got a phone call last week. We had made our minds up about having the vaccine.

“It was brilliant. It’s been very quick, and it’s already working well.

“It’s exactly like having the flu jab.

“We feel very privileged to be one of the first in North East Lincolnshire to get it.”