Sheffield Star readers reveal if they would have the coronavirus vaccine

Sheffield’s Director for Public Health Greg Fell has said that as soon as the approved Pfizer vaccine is available in large quantities it would become the primary focus of his team and the NHS to vaccinate Sheffield’s population as quickly as possible.

Readers of the Sheffield Star have had their say about whether or not they would have their vaccine when it is available.

Here’s what they had to say.

John Crofts predicted that people who did not have the vaccine may face some difficulties.

He said: “Personally I will (have the vaccine) although I think a lot won’t. I don’t think the government will make it mandatory but I do think things like going on holiday or even going to the pub could be made very difficult for anyone who doesn’t have it.”

Mark Earl quite simply said: “Absolutely, (I would have the vaccine). Why wouldn't you?”

Linda Evans said: “I will have whatever vaccine I am offered. There's no return to normality, or even something better than before, without it.”

Rod Wilson was cautious.

He said: “I need to know more, perhaps a second major trial. I am in my eighties want a vaccination but need to have confidence that it is effective.”

Jane Knight simply said: “No, I would not (have the vaccine).”

Stuart Simpson agreed with Jane and said ‘nope and none of my family are either’.

Kevin Ainley said he believed people should have a choice, but that limitations should be placed on people who opt out.

He said: “If you don’t want it, it's your choice. I think anyone who doesn't should exempt from air travel and every sort of social activities.”

Kenny Booth said he would have it in a few years when he could be sure there were no negative side effects.

He said: “When every politician has had it and not had any side effects after five years.”

Hazel Roberts had a very strong opinion. She said: “Shove it where the sun doesn’t shine. . . no thank you!”

Michelle Sharif was sceptical about how quickly the virus had been found.

She said: “Nope (I would not have the vaccine)! They've created a vaccine for a mystery virus that no one knew about till March in the space of like a year. Let everyone in government have it first.”

Jane Hammond, however, was feeling more positive about the prospect of a vaccine.

She said: “Yes definitely!! (I would have the vaccine). (We have) light at the end of the tunnel! Thank god and thank you for the amazing scientists working tirelessly on this.”

Neil Townend said people should think about how important vaccines have been in the past, and also how much science has advanced over the years.

He said: “The British public would be a bit of a mess if they had refused all the older vaccinations that saved children from death and deformation over 50 years ago when medical science was a tad behind what it is now”