Lanark care home residents have received Covid-19 vaccine

Five nurses from NHS Lanarkshire administered the first part of a two-part process and first in line was manager Margaret Allison.

She was one of 63 residents and 64 members of staff who took part in the vaccine programme which will be repeated within 28 days eventually providing maximum defence against the effects of the virus.

Strict infection protection and control precautions were in place to enable the programme to take

place and there were shouts of joy and encouragement as Margaret stepped up for the vaccine.

She said: “After such a long, nine months it really was quite a moment to be finally receiving the

vaccine and I was glad to have done it.

“We are so proud of all the residents and staff who, despite some inevitable initial apprehension, have risen to the challenge.

“Not only will this provide us with much needed protection of the effects, but hopefully signals the start of better times ahead, not just for Beechgrove, but for Lanarkshire and the rest of the world.

“It was carried out quickly with just a jag to the top of my arm and the nurses were really great at making me feel at ease.”

Joining Margaret was 91-year-old Ann Dunn who was the first resident to receive the vaccine.

Her daughter, Margaret MacLeod, said: “I am delighted my mother, fellow residents, and staff will benefit from this enhanced level of protection.

“Hopefully this will pave the way for designated visitor testing and allow relatives to have meaningful indoor visits with their loved ones.”

Residents and staff were prioritised by NHS Scotland to receive the vaccine which will now be rolled out to identified groups of people.