[ad_1]
A 90-year-old woman from Northern Ireland is the first person in Europe to officially receive a corona vaccine. So far, vaccination has only been done as part of testing. Margaret Keenan from Enniskillen, who will turn 91 next week, was vaccinated today at 7.31 am (Swiss time). She said she felt “very privileged” to receive this vaccine at Coventry University Hospital.
Keenan: “It’s the best anticipated birthday present I could ask for. Because it means that I can finally look forward to spending time with my family and friends in the New Years after being alone most of the year. “
Start of vaccination in Great Britain
The UK became the first country in Europe to start vaccinating on Tuesday. First, people over the age of 80, employees and residents of nursing homes, as well as particularly at-risk medical personnel, will receive the funds from the German manufacturer Biontech and its US partner Pfizer. They are about six million people. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson (56) spoke of a “great step forward”.
50 clinics will serve as vaccination centers. Authorities were ready: “Every part of the UK has received doses of the corona vaccine,” Health Minister Matt Hancock wrote on Twitter.
Four million by the end of the year
As the NHS deputy director of the national health service, Saffron Cordery, said by the end of the year four million doses of the vaccine should reach the country. That would mean vaccinations for two million people, since two doses per person are necessary for complete protection. The country has ordered a total of 40 million cans, which means that 20 million Britons can be vaccinated, or just under a third of the population.
For most people, however, it will be well into the new year before they can be vaccinated, the NHS said. A government spokesman said that most vulnerable people would be vaccinated in January or February. The authorities stressed that the vaccine was “safe and effective.”
A second dose is needed
Prime Minister Johnson called on everyone who has a right to a vaccine to get vaccinated. The heir to the throne, Prince Charles (72), thanked everyone who helped develop the vaccine. Thanks to the drug, people can now look forward with renewed hope, he said.
Health expert Helen Donovan told the BBC that the greatest risk is that vaccinated people will have to receive the second dose around three weeks after the first appointment. A vaccination card should help as proof that it is also a reminder of the second vaccination appointment. Larger vaccination centers, for example in football stadiums, should only open when more vaccines are available. (gf / SDA)
