Maxine Pamphlett-Jones, assistant director of nursing – occupational health at Salford Royal Hospital, made headlines when she gave 86-year-old Ted Jones his first Covid-19 vaccination dose.
Ted has gone on to have his second jab and boosters. Maxine has been part of a team that has given thousands of vaccinations, contributing to a tally of 6,674,526 vaccine doses in Greater Manchester.
Maxine will be working today and over the weekend in Salford Royal Hospital’s vaccine hub, just one of Greater Manchester’s 117 vaccine centres in locations designed to be convenient to people. They are hosted in hospitals, pharmacies, GP surgeries and community settings.
She said: “Throughout the last two years it has been a privilege to work on the Covid vaccination programme, it’s been fantastic to play a small part in the return to normal many of us now take for granted.
“I’m proud to have worked alongside some amazing colleagues who’ve worked so hard to deliver the vaccine to thousands of people.”
Ted, who volunteers at Salford Royal, said: “I can’t believe it has been two years since having my first jab. My life stopped when I was told I had to stop volunteering; I love volunteering and being around my volunteering friends is what keeps me going.
“It was so important to me to have my vaccines so I could get back to normal and come back to Salford Royal. I have had all my Covid jabs now as well as my flu jabs and I have not (touch wood) had Covid yet, so I am really lucky.”
The autumn/winter Covid-19 booster campaign, which started just three months ago, is the latest phase of the biggest and fastest vaccination programme in NHS history, aimed at boosting the protection of those most vulnerable from becoming seriously unwell with Covid-19.
Anyone aged 50 and over, pregnant women, those with weakened immune systems, unpaid carers and frontline health and social care workers are eligible for an autumn booster dose, so long as it has been three months since their last dose of the vaccine.
Dr Helen Wall, NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care, has urged people to come forward for their vaccine ahead of the Christmas and New Year period.
She said: “The sheer number of jabs we have delivered in Greater Manchester is thanks to the tremendous efforts of NHS staff, partners and volunteers – and of course the millions of people who have come forward for the life-saving protection the vaccines offer.
“On the second anniversary of the first vaccine being delivered, I want to take the opportunity to encourage anyone eligible who has yet to take up the autumn booster offer, or any other dose that they are due, to come forward now to ensure that you have the best protection for yourself and your loved ones as you prepare for festivities with family and friends.”
She added: “It’s never too late to get any dose of the vaccine, if you’re yet to have a first, second or booster dose, you can come forward at any time, to protect yourself and your loved ones from becoming ill with Covid-19. “
NHS vaccination services are continuing to offer first, second and autumn booster doses of the vaccine to anyone eligible in the run up to Christmas, with a range of pop up and mobile clinics taking the vaccine out into communities, alongside established sites run by general practice and community pharmacy teams in shopping and other community locations around the region.
You can find a vaccine centre to book, or walk-in at getmyjabgm.org.uk or call 119.
