99-Year-Old Vaccinated In Portsmouth - At Isle Of Wight's Nearest Coronavirus Hospital Hub

The nearest hospital hub to the Isle of Wight has administered a coronavirus vaccine for the first time today (Monday).

99-year-old Michael Tibbs was at the front of the queue for receiving the jab at Portsmouth's Queen Alexandra Hospital.

As Isle of Wight Radio previously reported, the Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust (PHU) will be the closest vaccine hub to the Isle of Wight. The Island is expected to receive 975 doses from there next week. 

People aged 80 and over, as well as care home workers, will be first to receive the jab - along with NHS workers who are at higher risk.

Mr Tibbs, who served in the Royal Navy during World War Two and now lives in Lynchmere, Hampshire, said:

“I didn’t know what to expect, but it’s absolutely wonderful and feel really fortunate to have the vaccination.”

Michael was accompanied by his son, Philip, and was applauded by staff after receiving his vaccination.

He added:

“During lockdown I have been confined to the garden, however when things get back to normal I’m really looking forward to seeing my grandchildren and great grandchildren."

“The vaccine will make a difference to everybody and we are so fortunate to have the NHS.”

PHU chief executive Mark Cubbon said:

“It’s been a really busy week for the NHS but we are very proud to be delivering the vaccine.

“I am incredibly proud the NHS is able to do this for our country. This is absolutely a significant day and I am exceptionally proud of our patients and staff to be getting the vaccine.

“It’s been a tough year for so many people and it’s good we have a vaccine available to combat the virus. But we still need to do all we can to prevent the spread of the virus.”

PHU chief nurse Liz Rix, who greeted Michael and administered his vaccine, added:

"We are proud and privileged to be able to vaccinate our patients. This is something we have talked
about and been preparing for.

“It was an absolute pleasure to give Michael his vaccination. It’s an exceptional day for us but we must remember we are far from the end of this virus. We all need to make sure we continue to do what we are asked and keep safe.

“I have seen staff rise to the challenge and support each other so we can look after our patients in the way we need to, and each other.

“Today is the first step in a journey for the vaccination programme. Thank you to Michael for being one of the first patients to be vaccinated. To be a part of this day has been a privilege, and not just for me but for the whole team and hospital.”

PHU was one of the first tranche of 50 hospital hubs offering the vaccination this week, with more sites coming on line over the coming weeks and months as the programme ramps up.

Since the Pfizer/Biontech vaccine was approved for use last week, NHS staff from across Hampshire have been working around the clock to manage the huge scale logistical challenge of deploying the vaccine.

In recent days NHS staff have been inviting over 80s to attend Queen Alexandra Hospital in for a jab, and working with care home providers to book their staff in to a vaccination clinic.

All those vaccinated will need a booster jab 21 days later.

The Pfizer vaccine needs to be stored at -70C before being thawed out and can only be moved four times within that cold chain before being used. GPs and other primary care staff have also been put on standby to start delivering the jab.

A number of GP-led primary care networks will begin doing so next week with more practices in more parts of the country joining in on a phased basis during December.

Further details about the Isle of Wight's roll-out are expected to be revealed later this week.