Fylde coast residents tell of Covid vaccine experiences so far

"If you get told to go for your vaccine, make sure you go."

This was the message from a Fleetwood health care assistant who worked on a Blackpool Victoria Hospital ward, until she began shielding as the lockdown came in again earlier this month.

Lisa Baines, 36, is currently shielding as she is clinically vulnerable, and urged everyone being invited for vaccines to get theirs.

Miss Baines received both doses of the Covid vaccine at the Vic, and praised the hospital's vaccination centre for its efficiency.

She said: "They run the vaccination centre really well, you're kept two metres apart from others and they had around four people giving them at the time.

"I'm terrified of needles, and I really wasn't confident about having it at first, but everybody needs to have this vaccine because it's the way to get us out of this pandemic."

Lisa admitted she did suffer some mild side effects for up to 48 hours after having her vaccines, but she added that it was likely because she shows signs of sensitivity to all vaccines, including her flu jab, and it was "nothing" compared to the virus.

"I did have some side effects. I had migraines, nausea, my arm was really sore and felt heavy, and I even had night sweats for around 48 hours after the second one - but after that there was nothing," Lisa continued.

"They explain to you very clearly what's in the vaccines and they showed me the liquid in them, but I've always had side effects from the flu jabs as well, so I think I might just be sensitive to them.

"I would still encourage everyone to have their jabs - those side effects were nothing compared to Covid. It's horrible.

"If you get told to go for your vaccine, make sure you go."

So far, around four million people in England have received their first Covid vaccine, including over 80s, care home residents and their carers.

This week, in a move Prime Minister Boris Johnson marked as a "significant milestone," more patients over 70 across the country began receiving offers of the Covid vaccine.

More than five million people from priority groups three and four were invited from Monday to have the jab.

These priority groups are made up of over 70s, of which there are around 5.8 million in England, and clinically vulnerable people.

Vaccine availability on the Fylde coast is also set to ramp up another gear next week, as Blackpool's Winter Gardens and AFC Fylde's Wesham ground are preparing to open their mass vaccination hubs from Monday, January 25.

Before the Government decided to postpone second doses in order to prioritise first doses for those most susceptible to the virus. some residents, like Lisa, were able to receive both doses.

Among them was Kath Miller, 59, from Preesall, who, along with husband Patrick, is a full-time carer of two adults aged 18 and 28 with learning disabilities.

Kath arranged for her and Patrick to have their jabs through Lancashire County Council's Shared Lives service, which matches adults with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, older people and/or mental health needs with carers and their families, to live within their home.

Mrs Miller went to Blackpool Victoria Hospital to have both doses of her Covid vaccine with her husband.

She also praised the organisation and safety of the Vic's vaccination centre, and said: "We were given really good instructions about how to find it, and everything was explained to us clearly.

"We were sat two metres apart the whole time and it felt safe. We were also told about the vaccine, and informed of possible side effects, but neither I or my husband had any.

"It was really well run and we felt very fortunate to have been able to have both doses."

Further resort residents sung the praises of the vaccine programme, with most people reporting no side effects from their first dose.

Sheila Wrench said: "My first vaccine was three weeks ago at Gorton street, very quick, no wait, no side effects. Second dose postponed."

Catherine Kearsley said: "I had my first vaccination on January 5. I was absolutely fine with the only side effect being a sore arm for a day or so," and Diane Woodcock added: "My dad [aged 83] had one and two vaccines, he is fine. Next day of the second vaccine he felt a bit shaky but it soon passed after two paracetamol."