New Year roll out of Covid vaccine gathers pace

ROLLOUT of the Covid-19 vaccine began in Melksham before Christmas, with vulnerable residents and healthcare workers first in line to be immunised.

Staff from the Melksham and Bradford on Avon Primary Care Network, which includes Spa Medical Centre and Giffords Surgery, began the “monumental task” on 21st December, administering the vaccine to healthcare workers and frontline staff.

Patients were invited the following day (22nd December) to receive their vaccine. One of the first to receive theirs was 85-year old Robin Watts.

“I’m happy to get it. I couldn’t wait to get it really, because the sooner we get it, then everybody else gets it, and the better things will be,” Robin told Melksham News.

Also receiving his vaccine was 78- year old Ray Edwards, club secretary at Spencer Sports and Social Club, where the vaccine programme is being facilitated. Ray said he immediately felt more at ease after having the vaccine and is excited for his life to go back to being a bit more normal.

Healthcare assistant, Gwen Thomas who received her Covid-19 vaccine said that the vaccine is very important to her as it means she can carry on working with vulnerable people.

Patients will be contacted by the NHS when it is their turn to receive the vaccine. Priority is being given to those patients considered to be vulnerable. Patients are asked not to contact their GP practice, local hospital, or other local NHS services.