Elderly patients react to being first to receive Pfizer/BioNTech Covid vaccine at Hillfoot Surgery in Pudsey

Hillfoot Surgery, in Owlcotes Road, began offering the Pfizer/BioNTech on Tuesday, December 15.

A partially sheltered outdoor seating area has been made, where people can sit before they go into the portable building where the vaccine is administered.

87-year-old Mr Wilson is hoping he will be able to see his 10 great grandchildren and seven grandchildren after having had the second dose of his vaccine.

He said: “I’m 87, I’ve got a big family, I’ve had a good life so why not get the vaccine.

“I don’t look back, I like to look forward and to be honest I can’t wait to get back to the pub and to go bowling again.

“I’m in for a penny, in for a pound.”

Tom Lane, aged 94, said that although he’s excited about the vaccine he doesn’t think he’ll ever want to socialise again.

He said: “I’m not seeing my family at Christmas and the vaccination doesn’t mean I’m free.

“The sooner it’s done the better and I think it’s sensible to have it done but I don’t think I’ll want to socialise again.

“I live on my own and I’m very comfortable in my own home.”

Bramley-resident Margaret Alnwick, aged 87, has no family after losing her husband eight years ago.

She said: “It’s much better to be safe than sorry and I’m excited about the vaccine because with anything like this it’s best just to go for it.

“I have no family to see so it’s not a benefit in that respect for me but I don’t find that difficult because I’m used to being by myself.”

Joan Swales from Pudsey has missed going out for lunch every day during the pandemic.

The 86-year-old said: “I’ve just missed going to cafes.

“I used to go out everyday for lunch and I don’t like doing my own but I guess I’ve saved a lot of money.

“I hope I will be able to see my family over Christmas, I only want them on Christmas Day and if I can have that I’ll be happy.

“I also hope the vaccine means I’ll still have to wear a mask as it’s been good not having to wear lipstick.

“We can’t go on like this so I’m not phased by the vaccine at all and it will all be worth it.”

Mr Drake, aged 92, has been isolating since the beginning of the pandemic.

He said: “I’ve been waiting for this for a while as my eldest child is 69 and all my four children have been isolating too.

“My grandkids will be very excited to see me and seeing them is better for me than getting back to doing any hobby.”

Nurses, paramedics, pharmacists and other staff are working alongside GPs to vaccinate those aged 80 and over, who have been identified as the first priority for this life-saving vaccine.

Like hospital staff who launched the campaign last week, practice teams have worked to redesign their sites and put in place safe processes to meet the tough logistical challenges of offering the vaccination.

Alison Stewart is a practise manager at Hillfoot Surgery and a primary care network manager across Leeds.

She said: “I feel so humble and I could choke thinking about the fact we’ve been given the opportunity to do this for our patients.

“We’ve had a really positive response from them and it feels as though it’s all happened at just the right time with Christmas coming up.

“Some patients have said it’s the best Christmas present ever and it’s been such a great boost for our staff too.

“For those who are anxious about the vaccine we want them to know that the alternative is much worse and the vaccine can’t harm you like Covid can.

“One patient told me they had not been out of the house since March but would walk through fire to get this vaccine.”

Dr Jason Broch, Clinical Chair of NHS Leeds Clinical Commissioning Group and a GP in Leeds, urged people waiting for coronavirus vaccinations to be patient.

He said: “We’re very proud to be part of this landmark effort and would urge everyone to have their vaccination but please be patient.

“Patients will be contacted and invited for vaccination so please don’t contact your practice about it, they will contact you.

“Practices are already running a wide range of services, as well as the Covid vaccination programme, and that will help keep phone lines open for people who are ill or need our help.”

The leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor Judith Blake, said: “The arrival of the Covid vaccine in our local communities is very welcome news and means we’re another step closer to ensuring that people who need the vaccine can receive it.

“However, we need people to be aware that it will still be some time before the vaccine is available to the general public. In the meantime, we ask everyone to do all that they can to further limit the spread of the virus.

“Please continue to stick to the rules, wash your hands regularly, wear a face covering where necessary and maintain social distancing. It will be especially important to celebrate the festive season safely so we don’t see a big surge in cases in January.”

An NHS in Leeds spokesman said: "Hillfoot surgery is ready!

"The team has worked hard to welcome the 1st patients to receive their Covid vaccine in practices in Leeds.

"The NHS will let you know when it's your turn to have the vaccine. It's important not to contact the NHS for it before then."

Last week, Sylvia Harris, aged 80, was the first person in Leeds to receive the vaccine.She was "overwhelmed" at having made history.

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