First patients get jabs at new vaccination sites as Shropshire's fight against coronavirus takes huge step forward

More than 1,000 people were scheduled to have the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab at Telford International Centre today.

Meanwhile, many more patients had booked appointments at the new GP-led sites at Severn Fields Medical Practice in Shrewsbury, Prees Medical Practice, Church Stretton Medical Practice, Audley Court in Newport and Wellington Medical Practice.

Marian Thomas, 80, of Wellington, was first in the queue at Telford's flagship centre to get her jab.

The grandmother-of-five said: "It's marvellous and such a relief.

"My daughter booked our appointment.

"We've been very good adhering to the rules and regulations and our daughter has been doing our shopping.

"We live near our daughter but she hasn't been able to come in our house. I'm mostly looking forward to seeing family at the end of this."

Terry Dudley was also one of the first patients at the site yesterday morning.

The 78-year-old, of Madeley, said he didn't waste a second in booking an appointment.

"I feel good. I didn't feel a thing," he said.

"We've not been out much. We shop as needed and keep a low profile.

"I'm looking forward to the holidays starting back.

"I know it's a long way off but we can hope.

"I've got a great-grandson who's eight and it will be nice to see him and give him a hug.

"My wife will be getting her vaccination on Saturday. We took the first opportunity we could to get it."

Angie Wallace, Covid-19 vaccination programme director for Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, said it felt fantastic to see members of the public come through the doors of Telford International Centre after a huge team effort to set the site up.

She said: "I'm so humbled and proud for the whole team to achieve such an amazing space that people can get the vaccination in.

"It's taken a lot of hours, many days getting it ready.

"The team has worked above and beyond getting this working effectively, as well as the other sites."

Health and social care staff have been able to get their jabs at Telford International Centre since Monday.

"We've learnt so much in a short space of time and improved what we have done, making sure we get it right and smooth for when the public come in," Angie said.

At Church Stretton Medical Practice, Alison Holmes, 91, was joined by friend Brenda Clabon.

She said: “I feel wonderfully privileged to have been able to have the vaccine. Hopefully we can all have it for the benefit of the world.”