First people receive coronavirus vaccine at Chesterfield Royal Hospital

The trust that runs the Calow hospital was named as a coronavirus ‘vaccine hub' ahead of the roll out of the Pfizer-manufactured jab this week.

Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is among 50 trusts and hospitals across the country to receive the vaccine.

MP Toby Perkins tweeted this afternoon: “Hearing of first Royal Hospital staff receiving the vaccine. Hope they will sleep easier this Christmas.

“Can’t overstate how worrying the last few months have been for many NHS staff.”

Mr Perkins told the Derbyshire Times he was ‘delighted’ the Royal had been selected as one of the hubs to provide the first wave of the vaccines.

“This reflects the fantastic work that the hospital has put in during this crisis and shows that the Government and health bosses have real confidence in the Royal’s ability to deliver a large scale vaccination programme,” the Labour MP said.

“I have already heard from staff members who received the vaccine on the first day.

"I am sure most people will agree with me that it was quite an emotional and uplifting experience to see the world’s first Covid-19 vaccine administered today.

"This has been an immensely difficult year for all of us but the beginning of the roll-out of the vaccine should fill us with hope that our lives will return to normal next year.

"As people wait for their turn to receive the vaccine, I urge them to stick to social distancing rules and stay vigilant.”

People aged 80 and over as well as care home workers will be first to receive the jab, along with NHS workers who are at higher risk, in what is being seen as the biggest immunisation programme in history.

There are 50 hubs in the first wave and more hospitals will start vaccinating over the coming weeks as the programme ramps up.

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The vaccine is typically delivered by a simple injection in the shoulder but there is a complex and difficult logistical challenge to deliver from the manufacturers Pfizer to patients as it needs to be stored at -70C.

British grandmother Margaret Keenan became the first person in the world to be given the Pfizer Covid-19 jab earlier today.

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.