FRONTLINE nurse Kez Holden was the first person in Gloucestershire to receive a Covid-19 vaccine.

Kez was vaccinated on Tuesday morning, by vaccinator Lorna, as the biggest immunisation programme in history got under way.

She said: "I'm really pleased to be first person to be vaccinated.

"As someone who is higher risk, I hope this encourages others to have their vaccination too."

Gloucestershire Royal Hospital is hosting one of the first 50 hospital hubs vaccinating against coronavirus.

More hospitals will start vaccinating over the coming weeks and months as the programme ramps up.

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.

NHS staff worked through the weekend to prepare for the launch of the programme on Tuesday morning.

Professor Steve Hams, Senior Responsible Officer in the Gloucestershire COVID Vaccination programme said: “This week sees the start of a ground-breaking public health campaign and the UK leading the way globally as the first country to start the COVID-19 vaccination programme.

"I have personally seen the devastation and sadness that Coronavirus has brought to our patients, their families, my colleagues and our communities.

“Here at Gloucestershire Hospitals, we are one of 50 vaccination hubs across the country and we'll be supporting the implementation of the vaccine throughout Gloucestershire.

"This is a truly exciting time and I'm both privileged and very proud to be leading the programme for Gloucestershire.

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust chief executive Deborah Lee said: “Not only will the new vaccine save lives and bring us all hope, but also it signals the start of our journey towards the lives many of us have missed so much.”

Important: staff will contact patients when it’s the right time to come forward, so please don’t contact or visit the hospital to seek a vaccine before then.