UK Grandmother, 90, Gets First Dose Of Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine
LONDON (CBS NEWS) — U.K. health authorities began rolling out the first doses of a widely tested and independently reviewed COVID-19 vaccine on Tuesday, starting a global immunization program that is expected to gain momentum as more serums win approval.
The first shot came early in the morning at one of a network of hospital hubs around the country where the initial phase of the U.K. program will be rolled out on what has been dubbed "V-Day."
Public health officials are asking the public to be patient because only those who are most at risk from the new coronavirus will be vaccinated in the early stages. Medical staff will contact people to arrange appointments, and most will have to wait until next year before there is enough vaccine to expand the program.
"I think there's every chance that we will look back on...(Tuesday) as marking a decisive turning point in the battle against coronavirus," said Simon Stevens, the CEO of England's National Health Service.
The first recipient was grandmother Margaret Keenan, who turns 91 next week. She received the shot at University Hospital Coventry at 6:31 a.m.
Keenan said she felt "so privileged to be the first person vaccinated against COVID-19."
"It's the best early birthday present I could wish for because it means I can finally look forward to spending time with my family and friends in the New Year after being on my own for most of the year," she said.