'It was all done efficiently': Milton Keynes Citizen readers share their COVID-19 vaccine experiences - read what they had to say

Many elderly and clinically vulnerable people in Milton Keynes have been shielding themselves for months, in the hope that a vaccine would arrive which would allow them to return to their normal lives.

Now that has happened, healthcare services have begun the mammoth task of making sure everyone who needs one gets it, with the most vulnerable first in line.

Between 2,000 and 3,000 people a day are now receiving Covid jabs at seven vaccination centres in Milton Keynes, in a move which has been described as vastly ‘efficient’ by some people who have already received the vaccination.

By the end of the month, doctors confidently predict that every resident and staff member in every care home in Milton Keynes will have received their jabs.

Already 75 per cent of MK's population of over 80s have received their first jabs, which will give them immunity for many weeks.

Lesley Franklin said: “Father in law who is 93 is fortunate to have both doses. Husband and I who are 70-plus have already had our first. All managed superbly well by our own GP surgeries.”

Stephanie Sutcliffe added: “My husband and I are both in our forties but in the shielding group, neither of us have been offered the vaccine yet. My mum is 72 and has been offered it by letter. Her surgery have no vaccines left and don’t know when they will be getting any more in. Seems to be a real postcode lottery when it comes to vaccination availability in MK.

Louise Theresa Cross Mahoney commented: “No, my mother is next in line being 70. I would like it being a keyworker being surrounded by the public at a busy, essential store.”

Eileen Pratley added: “My husband and myself had our first vaccine on 9th January, with no problems.”

Teresa Morbey-Smith thinks she should be allowed a jab as part of the next phase. She said: “My health has not been great, I had grade 3 breast cancer twice, my ovaries and tubes removed and tonsils and adenoids removed. I work with children and I'm 42 years old and do not qualify for a vaccination anytime soon.”

Pauline Richardson shared with the Milton Keynes Citizen: “My daughter had it before Christmas. She works in a care home. As soon as the vaccine was offered she had it. I'm classed as clinically very vulnerable so hopefully will be offered it soon.”

Joyce Hill said: “Started last week. My hubby and I got ours last Friday at our GP Surgery's Vaccinations Clinic. All done efficiently and in a safe environment.”

If you want to join in with the debate, head to our Facebook group.