Halifax grandma said it was 'honour and privilege' to receive Covid vaccination

A Halifax grandma said she was 'honoured' to be one of the first people in Calderdale to receive the Covid vaccine.
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Dora Hrycak, 93, who lives on Albert Promenade, was one of the first people in Calderdale to be vaccinated yesterday morning at the Spring Hall Group Practice.

Grandma-of-one Mrs Hyrcak was identified as a priority group to receive the PfizerBioNTech vaccine, which is being administered to patients over the age of 80.

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She said: "My arm has been heavy after the jab, but it's not going to stop me from making myself a cup of tea.

Dr Davies is also Mrs Hrycak's son-in-lawDr Davies is also Mrs Hrycak's son-in-law
Dr Davies is also Mrs Hrycak's son-in-law

"It was very quick and didn't hurt at all.

"It was an honour and privilege to be one of the first to be vaccinated."

The GP, in Spring Hall Lane, is one of many primary care networks across Calderdale providing the latest phase of the life-saving vaccine, with the first clinics starting yesterday.

The Covid-19 vaccine is being offered as part of the biggest NHS immunisation programme in history.

Dora Hrycak, 93Dora Hrycak, 93
Dora Hrycak, 93
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Dr Peter Davies, who works as a GP at the Local Care District, is the son-in-law of Mrs Hyrcak, and said the vaccine roll-out across the borough is 'a big step in getting things back to normal'.

He said: "I'm delighted she's had the vaccine because now she's safer.

"Once eligible for the vaccine, I will have my own.

"As far as I know, the vaccine is safe - and the alternative to not receiving it is to remain isolating for the foreseeable."

Since the first lockdown in March, Mrs Hrycak has only been out for one meal with family due to her age placing her into a high-vulnerability category.

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However, now vaccinated, she said she's looking forward to seeing her granddaughter Charlotte, 12, over the Christmas holidays and booking more hair appointments.

Dr Davies said: "I'm grateful to the staff at Spring Hall GP for their organisation and patience."

Calderdale Council’s Director of Public Health, Deborah Harkins, said: “Vaccines are the most effective way of preventing people from getting serious infectious diseases I’m delighted we’re beginning to offer the Covid-19 vaccine to people in Calderdale.

“I’d urge everyone to take up the vaccine when it’s offered - it’s safe, effective and our best protection against Covid-19.

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"The vaccine is initially being offered to priority groups and will be available more widely as soon as possible. It’s important that people wait to be contacted, rather than contacting their local surgeries.

“The full rollout will take some time, so it’s important we all continue to do all we can to reduce the spread of Covid-19.

"The three big things to protect ourselves and our loved ones are - limiting our contact with others, wearing a face covering and isolating when needed.”

Staff at hospitals, GP practices and other healthcare settings are working to put in place safe processes to meet the tough logistical challenges of offering the vaccination.

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The NHS will contact people in the priority groups when it is their turn to receive the vaccine.

For up-to-date and reliable information about COVID-19, use trusted sources such as: