Vaccinations in Care - Debbie's story

With COVID-19 vaccinations well underway in our care homes, we hear from some of our frontline colleagues who’ve already received their first jab. Curious about what to expect from the process? Want to understand what the vaccine means to care workers? Read on for the first in a series of blogs focusing on vaccinations in care…

Debbie’s vaccination story

I felt very fortunate to be offered the COVID-19 vaccine and grabbed it with both hands. My 10-year-old son has Type I Diabetes and is classed as vulnerable, so this has removed a lot of anxiety and worries I had about transmission between my family.

I think it’s really important to get the vaccine - as well as protecting my family, it will also protect the residents in my home, my colleagues and other professionals.

I admit I felt dubious about receiving the vaccine at first. A lot of people were giving their opinions of uncertainty and sharing feelings that 'it had not been researched enough'. However, after doing my own research, I made my decision to receive the vaccine as I felt, in my opinion, it would benefit us all by allowing us to get closer to normality.

Once all consent forms were signed and complete, it was a quick process. I received a text message from the GP practice I am registered with within one week, giving me an appointment for the week after, so altogether it was a two-week process from start to finish.

The GP and healthcare assistant were very helpful, they asked for some usual personal details like my full name, date of birthand if I had any allergies. I felt at ease right away as it was in a sterile area which was cleaned down thoroughly. They also talked me through the process and what they were doing from start to finish, they explained how they were going to administer the injection and in which arm. After they had done this, they talked me through possible side effects and said I could look at advice on the NHS website if needed. The day after receiving my vaccine, the arm the vaccine was administered into was a little numb but I had no other side effects.

I would urge others to receive the vaccine. I think it’s the way forward to going back to some normality. I understand a lot of people have reservations which they are entitled to but I would strongly recommend people to have the vaccine as it will help protect themselves and others around them.

Debbie Wilson is a Team Leader at The Manor House - Barnard Castle. 

We take the safety of both our colleagues and our residents very seriously and are doing everything we can to safeguard them from the virus. Learn more about what we are doing to protect our residents here: https://www.anchorhanover.org.uk/media/press-room/vaccinations-taking-place-across-anchor-hanover-care-homes