'It is very exciting because this vaccine is a genuine life-saver' - meet the couple who are the first to get the new Covid vaccine in Harborough

The first people in Harborough to receive the new life-saving Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine were vaccinated in Market Harborough this morning (Friday).

David and Susan Sanderson, of nearby Dingley, proudly lined up to be injected with the trailblazing jab at Market Harborough Medical Centre on Coventry Road at 8am.

A long line of patients queued up outside the busy practice’s front door in the dark drizzle as David and Susan were led in to a side room to be given the new history-making vaccination.

And the excited couple sat down to talk to the Harborough Mail in the main reception area as they recovered after becoming some of the first people anywhere in the world to be protected against the highly-infectious coronavirus.

“I had the jab high up in my left shoulder.

“It was great – I hardly felt a thing,” smiled David, 86.

“I can’t wait to come back here in three weeks and have my second injection!

“It’s the first time in weeks we’ve had to get dressed up to go out – we haven’t been out in ages.

“It is very exciting because this vaccine is a genuine life-saver.

“It’s a real gamechanger.

“We’ve also been vaccinated much quicker than we expected to be.

“This is a massive logistical exercise,” said David, a retired carpenter and joiner.

“They have to roll out millions of doses all over the country and store it at temperatures of -70C so the whole thing is just brilliant.

“We have an aunt of 102 in Beeston, near Nottingham, so she should be getting the jab soon.

“We just got a call asking us to turn up here today and here we are – it’s fantastic.”

His wife Susan, 74, a retired teacher, told the Mail: “We are delighted to be here to be vaccinated.

“This is the highlight of our week!

“I thought I’d take a lot longer to get the vaccination because I’m a lot younger than David but here I am.

“We’ve got two daughters who both work in health – our youngest Holly lives in Devon and Emily in Hungarton.

“We also have five grandchildren but we’re not going to be able to see them this Christmas unfortunately.

“But all being well this new vaccine will help us all get back to normal next year and we’re really looking forward to seeing our family as soon as we can,” said Susan.

Asked what they would say to people still in two minds about having the vaccination or not, both David and Susan insisted: “We would say – go for it.

“This vaccine will save people’s lives.

“So please come along and make sure you receive your vaccination for everybody’s good.”

Julie Simpson, one of the practice managers at Market Harborough Medical Centre, said they were set to vaccinate 975 people at the site today and tomorrow (Saturday).

“We are so pleased to be welcoming people in here to be vaccinated, it’s so important.

“I want to give a special mention to our amazing staff.

“We had 15 members of staff in here last Saturday working so hard all day to ring round patients to invite them here to receive their vaccinations.

“They’ve been brilliant,” said long-serving stalwart Julie, who’s worked at the surgery for 19 years.

“It’s been a huge team effort.

“I’d also like to pay tribute to our local Rotary and Lions clubs.

“The Rotary club has helped with patients and car parking for all our flu jabs this winter.

“And both the Rotary and Lions clubs are here today supporting us at the centre and in the car park again – so a big thank you to all their volunteers for getting behind us.”

Dr Hamant Mistry, Senior Partner at Market Harborough Medical Centre, said: “We are delighted that the Market Harborough and Bosworth Primary Care Network is part of the second wave of the Covid vaccination programme, covering patients registered with Market Harborough Medical Centre and Husbands Bosworth Medical Centre.

“Our first clinics will be held on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th December at Market Harborough Medical Centre.”

Saluting staff, Dr Mistry added: “A wonderful effort has been made by our entire practice team, clinicians and non-clinicians, to put in place the process to make this happen in such a short space of time.”

Market Harborough Medical Centre is one of the local practices to be taking part in the second wave of the roll-out of the vaccine along with Leicester Health Focus, Leicester City South and Salutem.

Nurses, paramedics, pharmacists and other NHS staff are working alongside GPs to vaccinate those aged 80 and over, as well as care home workers and residents, identified as priority groups for the life-saving vaccine.

Caroline Trevithick, Executive Director of Nursing, Quality and Performance for the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland clinical commissioning groups, said: “I am delighted that so many more patients will be able to begin receiving their vaccines within just a few days of the first wave beginning.

“This is testament to the hard work of the practice staff and I would like to thank them for everything they are doing to keep our patients safe.

“Feedback from patients who have been attending to have their vaccines so far has been extremely positive.”

Caroline added: “You will be contacted by your GP practice to book your vaccination when your turn comes and you will be advised where you need to go.

“Please do not contact your practice enquiring about the vaccine before then.

“It is also important to make sure you attend for both doses of the vaccine.”

The clinical commissioning groups are also urging everyone to stay vigilant and follow local Covid alert level restrictions and social distancing guidance while the vaccine is rolled out to all population groups.

For further information about Covid vaccinations visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19