A 96-YEAR-old was among the first patients in Ulverston to be vaccinated with the Covid-19 vaccine.

Patients from Ulverston and surrounding areas received the Covid-19 vaccine yesterday as part of the biggest NHS immunisation programme in history.

Local vaccination services run by GPs started last month and the latest phase of the roll-out in Morecambe Bay is being delivered by the primary care network (PCN) for the Ulverston area.

This means patients from GP practices in Ulverston, Dalton, Askam, Kirkby and Broughton have begun receiving the vaccine.

Doris Wilson, from Ulverston, was one of the first patients to receive the life-saving PfizerBioNTech vaccine at Ulverston Community Health Centre yesterday.

Ms Wilson said the vaccination 'means everything' as she will be able to visit her family again soon.

She said: "I'm nearly 97 and it means everything to me as I will be able to see all my family again soon.

“I felt a bit dubious at first but I'm feeling confident now and happy to be able to have the vaccine.

"What's a little pain when it's going to do you good?"

The PfizerBioNTech vaccine, which is being administered to patients over the age of 80, is being delivered over a two-day period at Ulverston Community Health Centre.

The patients who were identified as priority groups for the life-saving vaccine have been contacted by their GP surgery to book an appointment.

Primary care teams have been working rapidly to redesign sites and put in place safe processes to meet the tough logistical challenges of offering the vaccination.

Dr Gerry Murray, local GP and Clinical Lead for Mid Furness PCN, said he was 'proud of everyone' involved for getting the vaccine out so quickly.

He said: “The GP practices within the Mid Furness Primary Care Network been working together to ensure our local population receive the COVID-19 vaccine in a safe and secure way.

“I’ve been delighted at the community response we’ve had and the number of volunteers that have signed up to help deliver the vaccine, we’re very grateful for this.

“We’re all really looking forward to getting this piece of work off the ground and despite all the challenges I’m really proud of everyone involved for getting this vaccine out so quickly.”