'Momentous day' as first Teesside patient receives new Covid-19 vaccine

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com 
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Visit Shots! now
The first patient on Teesside has received the new coronavirus vaccination.

The Pfizer/BioNTech jab was given at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough at 7.36am today, December 8, about an hour after 90-year-old Margaret Keenan became the first person in the UK to receive the vaccine.

The start of the vaccine rollout across the Tees Valley comes as South Tees Hospital NHS Foundation Trust was chosen by NHS England as one of 50 hubs across the country to be part of the first phase.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen hailed it as ‘a momentous day’.

James Cook University Hospital. James Cook University Hospital.
James Cook University Hospital.

He said: “Just 12 months after the discovery of coronavirus and eight months on from the start of the pandemic, jabs of hope are going into people’s arms, which is testament to the hard work and dedication of scientists in the UK and from around the world.

“With this vaccine now being given to local people here in the Tees Valley we can definitely say there is light at the end of the tunnel, but we must not let our guard down because of this news.”

Read More
Strongest Covid immunity occurs 7 days after your second dose - how the vaccinat...

Mayor Houchen said it will take time before the majority of people in the region receive the vaccine with those aged over 80 and the most vulnerable being offered it first.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He added: “Until the wider roll out of the vaccine we must all continue to follow the rules – this means wearing a face covering, keeping a safe distance from each other and regularly washing our hands.

“People and businesses have made huge sacrifices throughout this pandemic and local communities have pulled together like never before and it has been heartening to see the level of community spirit, creating light during one of our darkest periods.”

He said the pandemic has been one of the heaviest knocks Teesside has experienced but was confident the area will come back stronger.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “This coming week will be an historic moment as we begin vaccination against Covid-19.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We are prioritising the most vulnerable first and over-80s, care home staff and NHS colleagues will all be among the first to receive the vaccines.

“We are doing everything we can to make sure we can overcome significant challenges to vaccinate care home residents as soon as possible too.”

Support your Mail and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on Pools and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.

News you can trust since 1877
Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice