| Good evening, They are the pioneers in a long-awaited phase in the battle against coronavirus. 81-year-old Doreen, from Preston, and 82-year-old nun Agnes, from Lytham, became the very first to receive Covid-19 vaccinations today, marking a critical point in taking control of a pandemic which has so far, taken control of us and our lives.
Staff at both Blackpool Teaching Hospitals and Lancashire Teaching Hospitals used the same word ‘proud’ in talking about their role in making this moment happen - and so they should be.
It’s been a long road to get this point. The efficacy of the vaccine is yet to be known, apart from via trials, but it is likely this is the start of a key change in our approach. Up until now, social distancing and hygiene have been the only ways to limit infection, the latter placing huge limitations on society, the economy and life as we knew it.
We’ve all done our best with lockdowns and restrictions but with people still dying and suffering it feels like short-termism and hopefully the vaccine will lay down a path toward reduction and elimination of this scourge. Stay safe and enjoy your evening, Kind regards, Nicola Adam Deputy editor, Lancashire Post and Blackpool Gazette | 
