I remember the polio epidemic as a girl — now at 82 I’m among the first to receive the Covid jab

When I heard the news about the vaccine I must say I was very excited. I knew that they were going to contact people over 80 first but I didn’t realise it would be so soon and that I’d be one of the first in the world! I’m 82 and I live by myself in a block of flats for retired people so the days are usually quiet, particularly since the pandemic.  

There’s a nice little community in my retirement village — before coronavirus we used to have film and music evenings where people brought their favourite CDs and a fish and chips evening. Sadly we haven’t been able to do any of that since March.  During the first lockdown I couldn’t see anyone. I was in a family bubble with my daughter during the second lockdown which made it more  bearable.

Wednesday was V-Day for me. My daughter kindly drove me to my 2.30pm appointment. The hospital had drafted in extra staff to take our particulars and fill out lots of forms. I met a very nice young doctor who is normally an anaesthetist but had volunteered to come in and help.  

We had to wait a while, about two hours, but they were doing their best especially since there were a lot of people — someone else in my retirement home was there getting vaccinated the same day as me actually. There seemed to be lots of forms and questions asking about allergies, specific medications or if anyone reacted adversely to jabs things like that.  

Everyone waiting in the hospital was very good natured and patient. I wasn’t nervous at all really and it didn’t feel any different to any other vaccinations. I hardly felt anything and it was all over very quickly. My son rang me afterwards to see how I was and how it all went — both my children are absolutely delighted that I was able to get it. I don’t know how much my grandsons understand about it but I expect they’ll be pleased.

I’m very much looking forward to going to stay with my daughter for a couple of days for Christmas and then I’m due to come back again on January 6 for my second injection.  

It will be very nice to be able to start doing some of the things I usually do again once this is all over. I can’t wait to be able to spend more time with my family; I might be able to go and see my son in London, I’ve only been able to see him once in the past 10 months since the pandemic began.  

Even if some of us in the retirement home will be immune soon we’ve of course still got to be careful not to pass the virus to others. But hopefully we might be able to start up some of our evening activities again. I’m a fan of horse racing and it would be nice to go and watch it in person.