‘I’m happy I got it!’ Manchester residents start to receive first dose of Covid-19 vaccine

Manchester residents have started to get the first dose of the coronavirus vaccine as the country remains in its third period of lockdown.

As the UK continues to see rising COVID infection rates, vaccinations in the Manchester region have been ramped up by the government.

With the opening of mass vaccination centres across the city, many residents who fall into the top priority groups – such as key workers and those over the age of 70 – have been invited to receive their first dose of the vaccine.

Thirty-eight percent of these priority groups have already been vaccinated in the North West – the second highest percentage in the country.

Rhian Hughes, a healthcare worker in Manchester, received her first dose of the Pfizer vaccine on 14 January.

Speaking to The Northern Quota, Ms Hughes was delighted to have received the jab.

She said: “If I want things to go back to normal, – and I really do – then I have to get the vaccine. It will encourage others to get theirs – such my parents and friends. It will have a knock-on effect.”

On the need to immunise healthcare workers, Ms Hughes added: “Because we work in a hospital, there will be vulnerable patients there and there’s no point in the patients being vaccinated if the carers aren’t either”.

Healthcare workers are incredibly susceptible to catching coronavirus. A recent study published in the journal Occupational & Environmental Medicine showed that healthcare workers were seven times more likely to catch COVID than those in “nonessential” jobs.

Ms Hughes is not the only person who is rejoicing after being immunised.

Louis Granelli, a grandfather from Cheadle, was also happy to receive his first dose of the Pfizer vaccine last Wednesday.

“The whole process was very well-organised. All the doctors and assistants were very helpful as well,” he said.

“There was quite a lot of people at the centre, mostly over-80s like myself.”

“I’m happy I got it. I have had no pain other than an ache on my arm, but I’ve been okay otherwise”.

Mr Granelli expressed frustration at people refusing the vaccine, saying that he has faced opposition for choosing to get the jab.

He said: “People have been having a go at me for getting the vaccine. But it’s my choice – I’m having it.”

Current government figures show that over 4 million people have received their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine in the UK. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has stated that the top four priority groups should be vaccinated by mid-February.