A BRIT preparing to be one of the first in the world to get the new Covid jab told Trending In The News: “I’m proud to do my duty.”
Dr Hari Shukla, 87, will be at the front of the queue along with wife Ranjan, 84, as the NHS begins injections today.
Hundreds of OAPs and NHS staff will receive the vaccine on what is being dubbed V-Day.
A woman in her 90s is expected to be the first person to receive the new Covid vaccine.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock hailed it as an historic moment — and urged all Brits to get the jab when invited.
The eyes of the world will be on Britain this morning, with the start of the vaccine rollout broadcast live from a Midlands hospital at 7am.
Hundreds of Brits across the country will be inoculated today, with vulnerable over-80s, care home workers and NHS staff first in line.
Equality campaigner Dr Hari Shukla, 87, told of his pride and delight as he prepared to receive the injection in Newcastle today.
‘VERY EXCITED’
The dad of four and grandfather of nine, who was invited by his GP on Friday, said: “I was very excited I got the opportunity of joining in and taking part, so we are very, very pleased and happy and excited as well.
“I am delighted to be doing my bit by having the vaccine, I feel it is my duty to do so and do whatever I can.”
Dr Shukla, from Tyne and Wear, went on: “This has been a terrible year but I always had faith in our doctors and scientists.
“They are true heroes. I knew they would come to our rescue and I am just honoured to be among the first to benefit from their amazing work.”
Wife Ranjan, 84, will also get the jab.
NHS chief Sir Simon Stevens said today marks a “decisive turning point” in the war against Covid and there is now “cause for hope”.
PM Boris Johnson praised scientists who developed the vaccine and said its rollout is a “huge step forward”.
Britain last week became the first country in the world to approve the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine.
It will be offered free on the NHS, with health workers and people deemed highest risk getting it first.
Mr Hancock urged people to accept the inoculation offer when it comes so the country can return to normal as quickly as possible.
He said: “I’m asking you to do your duty and get the jab.
“We will look back on today, V-Day, as a key moment in our fight back against this terrible disease.”
The vaccine will today be available from around 50 hospital hubs across the country.
Each has received an initial tray of 975 doses, which is stored at -70C and must be used within days of opening.
Up to 48,750 people could get their first jab by the end of this week. Recipients will need two, 21 days apart.
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.
‘DECISIVE TURNING POINT’
Doctors will have to issue a prescription naming the patient and jab until regulations change to allow mass vaccination.
GPs are expected to start administering it from next week, with some taking it to care homes to give to residents.
The University of Oxford Covid vaccine, which is cheaper and easier to store, could also be approved by regulators within days.
Sir Simon said NHS staff had been working day and night planning the historic vaccine rollout.
He added: “Coronavirus is the greatest health challenge in NHS history, taking loved ones from us and disrupting every part of our lives.
“Hospitals have now cared for more than 190,000 seriously ill Covid-19 patients and have seen beds fill up again in recent weeks. The deployment of this vaccine marks a decisive turning point in the battle with the pandemic.”
Mr Johnson added: “Today marks a huge step forward in the UK’s fight against coronavirus, as we begin delivering the vaccine to the first patients across the whole country.
“I am immensely proud of the scientists who developed the vaccine, members of the public who took part in trials, and the NHS who have worked tirelessly to prepare for rollout.
“But mass vaccination will take time, and we must remain clear-eyed about the challenges that remain.”
Prof Stephen Powis, the NHS national medical director, also warned the rollout will be a “marathon not a sprint”.
The PM’s dad Stanley, 80, has revealed he will get a vaccine as soon as he is eligible and will “encourage others to do so”.
Patients aged 80-plus who are already in hospital or attend for other treatment will be among the first to get it.
Others in that age group may also be invited, along with care home staff working nearby.
Any doses left in each batch will be given to high-risk NHS staff to avoid waste.
