Star readers share their experiences of getting jab as vaccine is rolled out in Sheffield

Many elderly and clinically vulnerable people in the city have been shielding themselves for months, in the hope that a vaccine would arrive which would allow them to return to their normal lives.

Now that has happened, healthcare services in Sheffield have begun the mammoth task of making sure everyone who needs one gets it, with the most vulnerable first in line.

Anne Evans, aged 85, had her first vaccine dose at the Porter Brook Medical Centre in Sharrow last week.

Anne is 85 and has a heart condition so has had to be really careful since March, only going out for hospital and urgent appointments.

Her daughter, Rachel O’Leary, said they were ‘all very proud of her’.

She said: “She’s sorted out food and prescription deliveries and was really pragmatic about not seeing the family at Christmas.

“Always positive, she says she’s just lucky to be living in a warm comfortable home!

“She said everything was really well organised at the vaccine centre from start to finish and the whole process was really easy!

“It will be so lovely to see more of her and for her to see more of her friends and family.”

Also vaccinated last week was 85-year-old Peter Wolstenholme from Woodhouse, who had his second dose on Wednesday.

He said the vaccine had caused no side effects for him, and that he was hopeful that things would soon get better after a difficult 2020.

Peter’s 88-year-old wife Madge - who suffers from asthma and COPD - actually caught the deadly virus last autumn.

She was admitted to Northern General Hospital in September after a fall, but caught a throat infection and then Covid-19, before being discharged in November.

Unfortunately, she was readmitted a few days later with another infection, but fought off that too and returned home last Friday after a spell in a nursing home for rehabilitation.

“Madge is one of the survivors,” said Peter. “Thanks to all the doctors and nursing staff.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.