Hospital now rolling out SECOND Covid vaccination jabs in Milton Keynes

The hospital's vaccination hub has this week started to to administer the second jabs after they were delayed at the start of the year.

Hospital staff began operating one of the UK’s first regional vaccination centres on the site of the hospital on 8 December 2020.

Hundreds of MK's over 80s and keyworkers were given the first vaccination and were told they had to return for the second after three weeks.

But on December 31, in line with government policy, the hospital announced it was postponing all appointments for local people due to receive their second jab. Evidence had showed the first dose offered "considerable protection" and that a longer interval could even provide stronger and longer-lasting immune response/

The delay allowed the NHS to use the doses and staff time to give a first vaccine to as many people in priority groups as possible.

Around 20,000 first dose vaccinations have now been given at the hospital and, from this week, all these people will start having their second doses.

Today the first patients to receive their second vaccinations at the hospital arrived at the hospital. Among them were Barbara and Arthur Simper who were been among the first patients in the UK to receive their first vaccination at MKUH on 8 December..

Barbara, 82, (pictured above with husband Arthur, 86) said: “We were delighted to receive the second vaccination and the service at the hospital has been absolutely brilliant. I want to have a normal life again. I miss out on seeing my grandchildren and I miss them so much. I want to get to know my granddaughter, who is two years old. I’m like a stranger to her. But now the future is looking brighter. The vaccine keeps us safe.”

Arthur, who worked in the MKUH Estates team for 17 years, said: “The staff are so friendly and the process was smooth. I felt relaxed about it all. Hopefully soon now we will be able to meet up with the rest of the family.”

Barbara and Arthur’s vaccinator was Lois McNichol-Flood, who said: “All of the patients are so grateful to receive the vaccinations. Many of them see it as getting towards the end of a long road. I am just happy to be part of such a positive environment.”

Lesley Johnson, who is part of the vaccination centre’s management team, said: “The start of the second doses is a key milestone for MKUH and a key milestone nationally. It’s a really positive step forward, giving people the protection and the support they need.”

Ian Reckless, who is the Medical Director at MKUH, said: “Different groups of staff from across the hospital have been contributing to the operation of the vaccination centre and I thank everyone for the success of the roll-out. It is a major operation, like a military exercise, with up to 450 people a day being vaccinated. Having the vaccination means you are less likely to get Covid-19, so it protects and also reduces transmission from person to person. I encourage everyone who is invited to receive the vaccination to book an appointment to do so.”

If you have received your first vaccination, you will be contacted so you can book your second vaccination when the time comes. For more information on vaccinations at MKUH, click here.