THE Heath Secretary was emotional as he announced that there is “light at the end of the tunnel” as the first vaccine was rolled out on this historic V-Day.
Matt Hancock said this morning that the Covid vaccine is a “triumph for science and ingenuity” over the “beastly disease” that has brought the world to its knees for nearly a year.
An emotional Heath Secretary told Sky News this morning: “This is a triumph for science and ingenuity over what is an absolutely beastly disease.
“I always believed by backing the science we would get there. This will start to heal this disease right across the world.”
A 90-year-old gran was the first Brit to be given the new jab this morning in a historic moment as V-Day marks a huge step in the fight against the virus.
Margaret Keenan – known as Maggie to friends and family – celebrated with a cup of tea after being given the life-saving jab at 6.31am at her local hospital in Coventry, West Mids.
She is among hundreds of OAPs and NHS staff will receive the vaccine on what is being dubbed V-Day.
Maggie, who turns 91 next week, said: “I feel so privileged to be the first person vaccinated against Covid-19, it’s the best early birthday present I could wish for because it means I can finally look forward to spending time with my family and friends in the New Year after being on my own for most of the year.”
‘LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL’
Matt Hancock added this morning: “I’m feeling quite emotional seeing those pictures, it’s been such a tough year for so many people but finally we have our way through it, the light at the end of the tunnel.
“It seems so simple having a jab in your arm but that will protect Margaret and the people around her.
“If we manage to do that for everyone who is vulnerable to this disease we can move on and return to normal.
“I am so grateful to the whole team who made this happen.”
The Heath Secretary also said that he hopes to be vaccinating in care homes before Christmas – but this will only happen if it’s safe to do so.
Like many around the country, Margaret Keenan has been self-isolating for most of this year and is planning on having a very small family “bubble” Christmas to keep safe.
‘BEASTLY DISEASE’
Originally from Enniskillen, Northern Ireland, she has lived in Coventry for more than 60 years.
She will receive a booster jab in 21 days to ensure she has the best chance of being protected against the virus.
NHS nurse May Parsons said it was a “huge honour” to be the first in the country to deliver the vaccine to a patient.
In anticipation for the first jabs, Mr Hancock said last night that this is “the beginning of the end of this pandemic” as the hope of a return to normal life by Spring gets stronger.
The vaccine will today be available from up to 70 hospital hubs across the country- with a projection of 48,750 people getting their first jab by the end of this week.
More centres will be opened in the weeks and months ahead as more supplies arrive.
The UK has ordered 40million doses, with four million expected by the end of the year.
But the majority of people will have to wait until the other side of Christmas to receive the Covid jab.
