Over 18,000,000 people in the UK have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, with thousands in Lincoln getting theirs at the Lincolnshire Showground and Surgeries. The response in Lincoln has been overwhelmingly positive.
Owen Liggins was invited for the Pfizer vaccine on February 18, 2021. He booked his appointment for the following Tuesday and described his experience as pain-free. He was even able to do a workout the day after.
He said: “I was talking to the doctor and the nurse had walked off and done it in my arm before I even realised – I genuinely thought that the flu jab hurt more!
“My arm was a bit sore the day of, but other than that I didn’t feel a thing.”
Lincoln resident Barry Clements had his vaccine on February 17, at the Ruston Sports and Social Club. He said: “From arrival to having the vaccine it was two minutes. All the people involved were very friendly and explained what was happening.
“After the injection I was asked to take a seat and wait for 15 minutes. Afterwards I felt fine. The following day I had a mild ache in my upper arm, but today I’m okay.”
Andy Wignall works for DialaRide Lincoln, a service that provides transport for the elderly and disabled. He has been helping people attend their vaccination appointments. He said: “We have been getting referrals from surgeries for transport to take people for jabs. All the centres are extremely well run and stick to appointment times.
“I’ve never experienced such helpful stewards as those at the Showground – always smiling and can’t do enough to help.”
Jayne Southall, CEO of Lincolnshire Showground, shared her excitement about hosting vaccinations at the showground. She said: “We are delighted to be supporting the important initiative to get the public vaccinated against COVID-19, we will be doing all we can to support the agencies involved.
“We hope the vaccination campaign will help to bring the events industry back up and running when restrictions are lifted.”
Debbie Williamson, a social care worker, had her vaccine at Lincolnshire Showground. She said: “It was a very well organised service. The staff were lovely and friendly, and they all wore the most fab and funky scrubs that made me smile.
It’s so fast and you don’t feel a thing. Oh, and if you’re brave you can have a sticker!”
