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Isle Of Wight Covid Vaccinations: Inside The Riverside Centre Roll-Out

With almost 90,000 coronavirus vaccines now administered on the Isle of Wight, Isle of Wight Radio went to meet some of those on the frontline of the roll-out.

It's coming up to two months since the Riverside Centre in Newport turned vaccination hub in the Island's fight against COVID-19.

And, like has been the case at similar facilities across the country, it wouldn't have been possible without the help of its army of volunteers.

Sarah is a warehouse assistant by day, but after COVID struck, she decided to step out of her comfort zone and do what she could to help.

"It's so inspiring. You definitely feel part of a team and everyone's so lovely. I'm really really enjoying it”, she said.


Cathy (left) and Sarah (right)

She works three, four hour shifts a week. Her job consists of anything from chaperoning cars to working directly in the vaccination centre. It's even given her food for thought for a future career.

"I think this role has certainly inspired me to look in to other similar positions in the NHS or something else", she said.

"It's made me think 'oh yes', I'd definitely like to do something like this in the future."


The vaccination centre at Riverside

Keeping Sarah company on shift is Cathy. Having worked with the NHS in the past, she's certainly no stranger to helping people in need.

"I was quite surprised by how efficient it [the Riverside Centre] all was really.

"There's a huge amount of staff here and a large amount of volunteers and it just helps guide people through."

The centre currently vaccinates those over the age of 50, people who are clinically vulnerable, carers, and health and social care workers.

It's hoped they'll move onto the younger cohort as and when they get the Government go-ahead.

The vaccine and its 'risks'

Much has been said about getting the jab, the risks associated and the side-effects.

In the last month alone the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) has moved to dispel reports that the AstraZeneca Oxford vaccine causes blood clots.


Sarah Stringer

Sarah Stringer is the senior manager of the Riverside roll-out, and she's adamant "there is no issue".

"I'm very very very confident that we have a fantastic, excellent vaccine here which we can rely upon. There is no issue", she said.

"Vaccination is one of the best public health procedures in the world so I would be really confident and support everybody to come and have their vaccine."


Elizabeth

As for the side effects, Sarah is urging Islanders to contact 111 if symptoms do not subside within a few days.

"Some people do get fluey symptoms, might get a bit of a headache, might feel sick. You'd expect it for three days at the most.

"Usually these are very mild symptoms."

If you have suffered a side effect, or are concerned, you can head to the NHS website.

Getting the jab

"It's a very easy process" we've been told. So is it? We caught up with Elizabeth, from Ryde, before and after her jab.

She said she was a little wary beforehand, but wanted to get it to protect herself and her family.

"I'm a bit nervous, I hate injections", she said. 

After being checked in, she was asked a few questions, including which arm she writes with, before receiving the jab.

"Within seconds I was in and out. It was fine. I didn't even feel a thing", Elizabeth said.

As for side-effects, she was told: "paracetamol, lots of fluid and isolate".

Isle of Wight vaccination figures

As Isle of Wight Radio first reported last week, a total of 82,745 first doses have now been given out on the Island.

When combining both first and second doses, there have been 88,911 jabs - and that number continues to grow.

In the week of March 14 to March 21 alone, 10,790 vaccinations were handed out here.

The Riverside Centre, operated by Solent NHS Trust, is one of many vaccination centres on the Island. Others can be found here:


Anyone aged over 50, who hasn't yet had their COVID vaccine, is being urged book at the following link -https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/.

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