BORIS Johnson today hailed the “amazing” vaccine rollout as the first jabs were dished out across the country.
But he warned that one in three people were still “secret spreaders” and passing it on without symptoms and begged the nation: “we can’t afford to relax now”.
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The Prime Minister watched nurses administer some of the world’s first clinically approved vaccination this morning at Guy’s Hospital in London, and spoke to nurses and patients getting it.
Earlier today Margaret Keenan, aged 90, was the first to get the vaccine in Coventry- celebrating with a cup of tea.
Boris said it was “amazing to see the vaccine” but stressed that it was too early to completely let the foot off the gas just yet.
And he told reporters this morning: “It will make a huge difference, but we are not there yet.
“We have not defeated the virus yet.
“People need to understand the virus is still rising in some parts of the country. We got it down as a result of the measures in November. We can’t afford to relax now.”
It would take weeks and months to get it rolled out to all those who need it, he said, but added: “I am extremely proud of what we have done.”
He warned that many people still don’t realise how easy it is to pass the virus on without having any idea.
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
Margaret Keenan
Boris warned: “1 in 3 people are passing it on without symptoms – they are secret spreaders. People need to realise it is very easy.”
He told a patient waiting to get the vaccine: “You are leading the flight path” and said to her to “recite some poetry” to take her mind off the sharp needle prick.
The news came as:
Margaret Keenan – known as Maggie to friends and family – celebrated with a cup of tea after being given the life-saving Covid jab at 6.31am at her local hospital in Coventry, West Mids.
She is among hundreds of OAPs and NHS staff to receive the vaccine on what is being dubbed V-Day after the UK became the first country in the world to start using the Pfizer vaccine after regulators approved its use last week.
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.”
Mrs Keenan, a former jewellery shop assistant who only retired four years ago, was given the jab by NHS nurse May Parsons.
The gran-of-four said: “I can’t thank May and the NHS staff enough who have looked after me tremendously, and my advice to anyone offered the vaccine is to take it – if I can have it at 90 then you can have it too.”
She added: “I don’t mind the attention, it doesn’t bother me. I’m just happy to have it done.”
A man named William Shakespeare was the second person to get the jab this morning.
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.
Mr Hancock said the Government will be releasing figures on the number of people receiving a Covid-19 jab as the vaccination programme is rolled out.
He told BBC Breakfast today: “Because that itself is important in knowing how soon we can get on to releasing the restrictions, because it’s a question of how soon we’ve managed to protect those who are most vulnerable to the disease.”
Sir Simon said NHS staff had been working day and night planning the historic vaccine rollout.
