The fight against COVID-19 has taken a historic leap forward after the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine was given to someone outside a clinical trial for the first time.
Grandmother-of-four Margaret Keenan, 90, has become the first person in the world to receive the jab as part of a vaccination programme.
Mrs Keenan, who has lived in Coventry for six decades but is originally from Eniniskillen, Northern Ireland, was given the vaccine by nurse May Parsons at the city’s University Hospital at 6.31am.
She said being the first was “a privilege” and “the best early birthday present I could wish for” as it would mean she could spend time with her family and friends in the New Year “after being on my own for most of the year”.
She thanked Mrs Parsons and other NHS staff for looking after her “tremendously”.
She added: “My advice to anyone offered the vaccine is to take it – if I can have it at 90 then you can have it too!”
Mrs Keenan, who worked as a jewellery shop assistant until only four years ago, will receive a booster jab in 21 days to ensure she has the best chance of being protected against the virus.
UK became the first country in the world to approve the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine last week.
