Veteran among first to get jab says: ‘Get it done’
A96-YEAR-OLD D-Day veteran decided to be one of the first in Cornwall to have the Covid vaccination so he could “set a bit of an example”.
Hundreds of priority patients over the age of 80 were the first to receive the Pfizer vaccine at GP surgeries in Truro, St Austell and Bodmin on Tuesday.
Royal Navy veteran Gordon Fowle was given his vaccination by Julie Arrowsmith, matron at St Austell Healthcare. He said: “To all staff in hospitals, care workers, voluntary workers and the Army, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you to you all. Bless you and I think you should all have a medal.”
Describing what it felt like to have the vaccine, he said: “I never felt a thing.” Gordon added: “Being old I thought I would set a bit of an example.” He said he had vaccines while in the Navy so this one “didn’t worry me at all”. And he urged people of a similar age: “Get it done, get it done. I was all for it from the start. I didn’t um or ah, I’m quick at making my mind up.”
Gordon joined John and Angela Freeman among the first pensioners to receive the injection. The couple, from Truro, were the first of 300 people to receive the jab at Truro Health Park. “This year has been so difficult for so many people – we have adhered to the rules and regulations which has meant we’ve only been able to see our family from a distance,” said John, 84. “Let’s hope this is the beginning of everything returning to normal.” He added that it was an honour for him and former nurse Angela, 83, to be the first in the queue at the Truro practice, despite the fact he has a fear of needles.
“There’s nothing to be scared of – I didn’t even feel it; it’s easier than the flu jab. It was absolutely first class. Nobody need worry about it.”
All patients receiving the vaccine will have to return in 28 days for the followup booster dose.
Dr Matt Leigh, senior GP partner at Truro’s Lander surgery, said: “It’s a massive thing and we feel really proud to be part of the national effort. It’s a bit of history and it’s great to be a part of it.”