Norfolk MPs have hailed the roll out of the coronavirus vaccine “a special moment” that could prove a turning point in fighting the pandemic.
Coronavirus hubs at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and the James Paget University Hospital both saw their first patients receive the jab at the start of a roll-out programme that will continue into community facilities.
“To see these first vaccinations in Norfolk is a special moment,” said Mid Norfolk MP George Freeman.
“It’s a moment of hope, relief and joy at the end of a terrible year. Relief for both the most clinically vulnerable - and all the local businesses being bust by Covid who need our high streets and pubs and clubs to be open again.
“It is also a reminder of the importance of our biomedical life science industry.”
North Norfolk MP Duncan Baker said: “I’m tremendously excited especially because out of 50 hospitals in the country Norfolk got the vaccine in two hospitals, which I think is particularly exciting.
“We will see very quickly how the roll out of the vaccination will take place in our local communities as the plans take shape in the next couple of weeks but we now have light at the end of the tunnel.”
Chloe Smith, Norwich North MP, said: “I am so pleased to hear work has taken place over the past couple of days to identify the care home residents, health workers and vulnerable people in Norwich North who will be first to get the coronavirus vaccine.
“However, we must not become complacent when the vaccines do begin to be rolled out - it remains crucial that people continue to adhere to restrictions to stem the spread of the virus.”
Great Yarmouth MP Brandon Lewis said: “It is a truly momentous day in the work to move past Covid and to return to normality.
“The team at James Paget Hospital have been amazing through the crisis and this is a great step for them as well as the wider community.”
James Wild MP for North West Norfolk said the roll out was "great news" but added it "will take time as it is manufactured and supplied so please be patient".
Clive Lewis, Labour MP for Norwich South, said: “I welcome the vaccination coming to Norfolk. It cannot happen soon enough.
"I do however have concerns however about the logistics and preparations, especially given what we’ve seen from the government struggling with test and trace and also in the impact any no deal could have on supplies.”
“I am also deeply concerned that this government is blocking the ability for countries such as India and South Africa to produce enmass the Covid vaccines and the equipment necessary to produce them at a very reduced price.”
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