Patients from Ulverston and surrounding areas are now receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
Local vaccination services run by GPs started last month and the latest phase of the roll-out in Morecambe Bay is being delivered by the primary care network for Mid Furness.
This means patients from GP practices in Ulverston, Dalton, Askam, Kirkby and Broughton are being vaccinated from today by Mid Furness PCN.
The PfizerBioNTech vaccine, which is being administered to patients over the age of 80, is being delivered over a three-day period at a healthcare facility in Ulverston.
The patients who were identified as priority groups for the life-saving vaccine have been contacted by their GP surgery to book an appointment.
Doris Wilson, 96, of Ulverston, was one of the first to receive her vaccine.
She said: “I’m nearly 97 and it means everything to me as I will be able to see my family again soon.
“I felt a bit dubious at first but I’m feeling confident now and happy to be able to have the vaccine. What’s a little pain when it’s going to do you good?”
Primary care teams have been working rapidly to redesign sites and put in place safe processes to meet the tough logistical challenges of offering the vaccination, the PCN said.
Dr Gerry Murray, local GP and Clinical Lead for Mid Furness PCN said: “The GP practices within the Mid Furness Primary Care Network been working together to ensure our local population receive the COVID-19 vaccine in a safe and secure way.
“I’ve been delighted at the community response we’ve had and the number of volunteers that have signed up to help deliver the vaccine, we’re very grateful for this.
“We’re all really looking forward to getting this piece of work off the ground and despite all the challenges I’m really proud of everyone involved for getting this vaccine out so quickly.”
The NHS will let people know when it is their turn to have the vaccine.
It is important not to contact the NHS for a vaccination before then.
