Month: June 2021

Mark Brown spoke to Lickerese during a pop-up vaccination session in Deptford, London.

 

TRANSCRIPT

MB: This is Mark Brown for Lewisham Vaccination Stories. I am in a slightly overcast but still very warm Deptford this afternoon, at the 2000 Community Action Centre, and I’m here with…?

Female: Lickerese.

MB: You had your second vaccination today. What was it like?

L: Yes, it was brilliant. I’m so happy to take my second vaccine. Yes, because I feel great having it for the second time, to make sure that I am really safe with my family, and also to encourage my friends, family, neighbours to go in for it to complete their second vaccination.

MB: I get the feeling you weren’t too worried, but was there anything you were worried about before you had your vaccinations?

L: Not absolutely. The first time I was worried was the second one. Before taking it I would not know how it is, but after giving myself a consent to take the first vaccine, I have not been worried at all. It gives me more courage to go and take the second vaccine, that was absolutely nothing to worry about.

MB: Excellent, I’m glad they treated you well. How has the last year been for you?

L: That was okay, nothing worries.

MB: Once we are finished with, hopefully, this vaccination and we get COVID out of the way, what are you looking forward to getting back to?

L: Back to my normal family because I’ve been missing my family so much. Missing also my friends and also able to interact with the workplace, and also may be able to do my travel issue, and hoping the country as well goes back to normal, yes.

MB: I’m very much looking forward to things going back to normal, because it has not been an easy year. What would you say to people who are a bit worried about vaccination?

L: They shouldn’t worry at all. There is no risk in it. Anybody who needs to take the vaccination, come forward and take it. It is really safe. There is nothing to worry about it. I’ve taken it, I’ve no side effects and I’m happy with it.

MB: Well, I am so glad you are happy, that was great, thank you.

Robyn is a volunteer vaccinator in Lewisham.

The message requesting volunteers came from my GP surgery, just days after my Dad had died. He missed his 1st vaccination by just 10 days, so when I saw the opportunity to see others his age get vaccinated, and feel the relief of not living in fear of Covid, plus the chance to soon be able to see loved ones in person again, I knew that it would be a good type of bereavement therapy.

I’d wanted to volunteer earlier in the pandemic but with a broken wrist, I wasn’t much use as I couldn’t carry more than my own shopping needs, or drive supplies around. It was immensely frustrating.

On that first day of the vaccination centre opening, Jan 8, 2021, it was pretty much chaos. Neither of the waiting rooms had heating, it was freezing, there weren’t enough chairs due to having to place them at a safe distance apart and one lovely 91-year-old lady described it as a bear pit. She wasn’t wrong, but like all of her generation, they stoically hung on, despite an interruption visit by the chancellor and his PR entourage. And for their patience, they all (around 1,000) got their first Pfizer vaccinations.

Just guiding people to rooms for their vaccinations was really all I was doing initially, but it quickly became apparent that administrative skills would help the vaccinators do their job more efficiently and I enjoyed learning the process, the requirements before a vaccination can be given, and how those clinicians would deal with tricky situations — like language barriers, misinformation about vaccines and even keeping abreast of changing data about vaccines, like the issue of blood clots seen in other parts of Europe.

And now I’m taking part directly in the vaccination programme as a non-clinical voluntary vaccinator. My Dad had grown up during WWII and had always feared that his children would be conscripted to a modern war. Despite only having daughters, his fears were increased the year women were allowed to take frontline roles in the British Army. I remember joking with him that if things ever went badly, I’d sign up as a medic. The pandemic is as close to a world war as I hope to ever experience, and it looks like my medical prediction came true.

Mark Brown spoke to people during a pop-up vaccination session in Deptford, London

TRANSCRIPT:

MB: This is Mark Brown for Lewisham Vaccination Stories in a wonderfully warm and not quite sunny Deptford, at the 2000 Community Action Centre, and I’m here with…?

MC: Moira Kerrane.

MB: Moira, are you the big boss person of this centre?

MC: Well, I’m not a big boss but I’m one of the trustees that is more hands on, and that is why I organised this today with the Grove Medical Centre.

MB: We are doing a pop-up vaccination session here. I just wanted to ask you about the role of the centre during the pandemic, and also during vaccinations, like, what is the story?

MC: Okay, so as a local community centre we made a decision — our board made a decision — not to close in line with all the other community centres, because we live in a high-density, deprived area and we knew how important it was to keep the centre open.

What we did was we operated on an emergency COVID access, where the local people could still access IT, telephones, signposted advice, housing benefit, all of the sorts of day-to-day stuff. We kept open for the whole of the pandemic, and we are still — so we haven’t had a furlough or a rest. It has been intensive.

MB: Yes, me neither. I’ve worked all the way through this pandemic too. We are doing vaccinations today. It is a pop-up where the vaccinators will come out to the centre, been wonderfully hosted by Moira and her colleagues.

Why is the pop-up important and why is it important to do here?

MC: The reason why we felt that was important to do here is because it is the highest-density housing — social housing estate, actually, in the north of Lewisham, and we are the central community centre. In order to reach the people living around the centre, we felt it much better to do it locally than to send them on buses to central Lewisham.

We decided, “Let’s try and work with the GP service. Let’s see if the CCG and the NHS can all pull together to do something local.”

MB: I was talking to someone else today, and one of the really big themes was trust and the reason why people might not be choosing to have the vaccine. It feels like a community centre is a place of trust.

MC: Yes, that is a really big element. When people see people from the community getting the vaccine it encourages them to do it as well. But also here it has been difficult, because at the beginning of the pandemic most of the people we know in our community had COVID.

It has been a question of trying to persuade them, “Yes, you’ve had it but you still need the vaccine,” and that is what has been the dilemma at the moment, is trying to get them over that hurdle of knowledge. We are obviously telling them about the variants and how helpful the vaccine is going to be. Even though they’ve had it, it doesn’t necessarily guarantee them protection.

MB: It feels super, super important that you are here.

MC: Well, yes, we want everybody that we know to be safe, and having a community centre surrounded by high-rises and tower blocks, people can actually physically see the day to day. They can look out their window and see that there is something happening in here today.

For me, anything local that reaches local people quickly is brilliant. We are not having them getting on buses and trains going to London Bridge, going to Lewisham. They are able to do it on their doorstep, which is fantastic.

MB: Brilliant. Thank you for that, Moira.

Eden is a volunteer in Lewisham.

I decided to help with the vaccination effort because I wanted to interact with the local community and witness the power of people coming together. In my time as a volunteer, I saw the strength of human connection within adversity, and a nationwide effort to protect the most vulnerable. In these challenging times, I was reminded that in crises, humanity immediately mobilises, and responds with compassion. I will hold onto that truth always; I have seen it firsthand. I wanted to support our incredible NHS, a vital health service I hope remains free for all, forever.

I think most about people’s eyes, and the emotions they carried, since we can’t see people’s faces (yet!). Every person brings a unique story with them, and to get a glimpse into the life of Lewisham through this job showed me the deep diversity in London and its people. I think about the incredible doctors, nurses, and administrative staff who buoyed a huge operation with such humility and warmth. I think about people’s emotional journey, from trepidation as they enter, to relief as they exit, one step closer to freedom.

I think about the adrenaline that would course through my veins at 8:30 a.m., the waiting room full of people, many of them their first time outside in months, and the high of checking in the first person. I think about the nurse that led a yoga stretch for us halfway through our shift, every volunteer stretching to the sky together, and deeply breathing.

What surprised me most was how keen people were to talk, and the range of cultures and personalities I had the privilege of interacting with. I was stunned by the speed and efficiency of the operation too! I was reminded of the power of a local politics, one that relies on the power of people and the NHS.

I will always remember the laughs I had, with volunteers and local people. I will always remember key workers’ relief at getting their vaccine between back-to-back shifts. I will always remember the kind people who brought in chocolates for the amazing NHS staff and volunteers. I will remember volunteering on snowy days where we worried bitter cold and hail might hold people back, and volunteering on sunny days, the warmth making people smile through their eyes.

Mark Brown spoke to Ben during a pop-up vaccination session at the 2000 Community Action Centre in Deptford, London, in May 2021.

TRANSCRIPT

MB: This is Mark Brown for Lewisham Vaccination Stories, in a wonderful, warm Deptford garden at the 2000 Community Action Centre, and I’m here with…?

BK: Ben. Ben Khan.

MB: Ben, you just had your vaccination. What was it like?

BK: It just feels amazing getting one step closer to getting over the whole pandemic and getting back to a normal world, and yes, it feels great.

MB: Is this your first vaccination?

BK: Yes, this is my first dose.

MB: Were you worried, excited, scared? How did you feel before you came?

BK: I wasn’t nervous on the drive here, but as I walked in, I was a bit nervous. I’m not the best with injections so I was a bit nervous. Obviously, I was also a bit nervous months before about all the rumours on social media, etc. But I think we are in a good state right now and we are going to push through this, and I think it should be fine.

MB: How has the last year of this pandemic been for you?

BK: It has been tough. Obviously I’ve been at school, and online school has been much more different to in person, and it has been tough, but I feel like I have learned to cope with it. It has just helped me adapt and just try and learn new skills, and try and cope with things better, and try and basically improve my time management skills, etc.

MB: Yes, because it has been a weird kind of limbo, hasn’t it, just being at home all the time? What are you most looking forward to once we’ve finished all these vaccinations and everyone is safe? What are you most looking forward to getting back to?

BK: Just being able to spend more time with my family, friends, just going out to places, going abroad, going on holidays, just spending more time. I know we’ve spent a lot of time with our close family, but spending more time going to people’s houses, etc., just being able to go out, I guess, yes.

MB: Yes, it will be amazing to be able just to put your coat on, go out and go and see some people without being worried, yes?

BK: Yes, exactly, yes, which will be amazing. I feel like we are getting closer and closer. Hopefully by the end of this year, Christmastime, we can hopefully get to the end of this.

MB: Thank you, that was awesome.

George is a volunteer in Lewisham.

I’m a barber by trade and even though it was challenging at times, it’s something I will never forget and proud to have been involved with.

After the first 2 lockdowns, finding it very difficult to do nothing, I received a email about volunteering at a vaccination centre. I received the email at around 10pm which was surprising but it showed me how busy the council were. I replied instantly which I knew I had to do because last year when I received an invitation I was too late. Plenty of people wanted to help clearly which is great.

My first day was very memorable. There was 8 of us volunteers and we was told this morning we would be dealing with 200 over-80-year-olds. They needed someone to be at the front door to control the flow of people coming in , making sure they had masks and also sanitised hands. I put my hand up to take it on as I have previous security experience which I thought it linked and also wanted to be busy. They kept me at the door and I managed to do 20 sessions there. I was based at St. John’s medical centre which was also open as a doctors surgery and also a sexual health clinic. So not only was we controlling vaccinations but dealing with patients to both of the venues. That was challenging and eye opening.

I remember a young woman came to me at the door almost in tears. Asking to be let in as she couldn’t get through and needed help. I told her that they were very busy because of the current situation and attempt at distributing the vaccines. She started crying and looked into my eyes to tell me she wanted to kill herself. At that moment I couldn’t focus on what my job was but to just let her in. An hour later she walked down the stairs still in tears but with a big smile to say thank you. It was worth it and hope she is ok today.

It felt very rewarding at the beginning. Even though there was moments were it was cold and you had to tell many people to queue up outside and try to be patient, which some struggled with, understandably . The majority were very grateful and excited. One lady was very excited because she had 2 new-born grandchildren she hadn’t seen yet. That was very common. Imagine for some people that vaccination day was there first trip out the house. Desperate for a way out to normal life again.

As the age brackets got younger people were moving quicker and the flow was less stressful. Less physical help needed up the stairs.

The news didn’t help at times. I remember when the AstraZeneca was linked to blood clots. We had people running back worried they was about to get one. I laughed and told people to stop watching the news. Way too negative.

There was a few people who demanded to have the other jab when finding out on the day it wasn’t the one they wanted. I tried to explain to some that as a country we are lucky to even get a vaccine now let’s not be spoilt. But then again. Media scared some people, can’t blame them. It’s been a tough long year and I could and can see it in peoples faces. So even though I came across many angry, stressed individuals, I did not treat them differently and always took sympathy, only trying to comfort. I don’t know what they have gone through but what I did know is the last year has been very tough for everyone. Some people just needed to let off steam and I let them. It helps.

Mark Brown spoke to Peter during a pop-up vaccination session in New Cross Gate, London.

TRANSCRIPT:

MB: This is Mark Brown for Lewisham Vaccination Stories, in Besson Street Community Garden, in a gap between showers and heavy winds. And I’m here with…?

P: Peter.

MB: Peter, you’ve had your vaccination today. How was it?

P: Quite simple, actually. Painless, which is good.

MB: That is good. Was there anything you were worried about before having your vaccination?

P: Only that I suffer from allergic reactions to certain things. Just worried about that. That’s why I’m waiting 15 minutes.

MB: Excellent. But you got asked all those questions beforehand and checked out?

P: Yes, that’s right. All sorts of questions. Age and so forth. And then if you have any allergies or stuff like that.

MB: So what I wanted to ask you is how has the last year been for you? Because it’s been quite an interesting year for a lot of us, and the reason why we’re having these vaccines is because of all those interesting reasons. What has it been like for you?

P: The first lockdown was okay, novelty. Second one, “Okay, this is serious.” The third one was very difficult because didn’t really see anyone because everyone was locked down. Hence why I’m here, because I need to work. So the quicker I can get the vaccines the better, basically.

MB: So holding that thought about working, getting your vaccine quickly and stuff, what is it you’re really, really looking forward to after this vaccination effort is successful?

P: Just to get out a bit more, actually, I think, really. Friends and all that kind of thing. But, you know, just to get out. Because since normal times when I want to go out, in the past, I haven’t been able to. So that kind of thing. You know, just get your “I want to do it” freedom, “I’ll do it” freedom, that kind of thing.

MB: Yes. I was talking to someone earlier today. They were talking about how the pandemic has made everything like a big decision about risk and all of those sort of things.

P: Yes, when you go out, risk. I’ve been avoiding big supermarkets, spray everything that comes in with Dettol, that’s the kind of things I’ve been doing, you know. And shopping at certain times just to avoid the big queues.

MB: So are you excited that we might be coming to the end of kicking the bum of COVID?

P: In many ways, yes. But I like the way that COVID has made people reassess and rethink and so forth. And I like the way that it’s made society slower, I guess.

MB: Excellent. Well you can now slowly go off and enjoy the rest of your day. Thank you for that, Peter.

P: Thank you.

Christine is a volunteer in Lewisham.

I felt that the pandemic was probably the most devastating thing to happen in this country since the Second World War, but in this case the battle was being fought by the NHS. I wanted very much to support and help them in any way I could. The vaccination programme would be key to success and I wanted to play a role in contributing towards that success.

What do I think about most when I think about my involvement? How fantastic this roll-out is. The NHS and volunteers have joined together to create a really smooth operation. It is flexible and caring and the public are at the heart of it. The atmosphere has been fantastic.

What’s surprised me most? That the NHS let me do this! Because I had a recent DBS check I was allowed to input the data. This gives the vaccinator the opportunity to be completely focused on the screening and care of each individual. It makes so much sense. I thought the NHS might be so tied up in bureaucracy that it would not allow this to happen.

What do I’ll think I’ll always remember? The gratefulness of the public. How brave some people are. How varied each individual response was; from the joker who faked agony to the truly terrified, and those who had such pride that they wanted a photograph of their experience.

Mark Brown spoke with Monica during a pop-up vaccination session in New Cross Gate, London.

TRANSCRIPT

MB: This is Mark Brown for Lewisham Vaccination Stories in a very rainy, very noisy vaccination outreach in Besson Street Community Gardens. I’m here with…

MC: Monica Crowe.

MB: Monica, you’ve had your vaccination. How was it?

MC: I was quite relieved to get it, actually, because I’m a key worker. I’m a primary school teacher. So, I’ve been back at work, well, for most of this year, apart from when we had the lockdown.

So, I was quite keen to get some sense of protection being in school, because I’m surrounded by children all day basically, and although we have social distancing rules, we can’t really do all the social distancing with little people moving around the place. So, I was quite relieved to get it.

MB: So, before you had your vaccine, was there anything you were worried about?

MC: I was a bit worried because the stories about the blood clots were coming out at that point, and I had the AstraZeneca one. I was a bit concerned about that, but I kept following the news and realising the levels were so low, it was a bit insignificant and I was prepared to take the risk.

MB: So, this vaccination effort is a massive, massive thing. It’s a kind of historic thing. It’s never happened before in the same way. Once we finish the vaccination and everyone has their injection, everyone has their immunity, what is it you’re looking forward to getting back to?

MC: Oh gosh, I suppose I’m just looking forward to having the chance to meet many friends all at once, not be wary of people on the streets, you know, feeling more freedom walking around, because it’s created this quite hostile environment in a way, how things are, you know, just with strangers around, type thing. Being able to feel comfortable on a train or a bus. They’re things I try and avoid. So, I use a bicycle. Having the chance to have a good dance. Would you not agree?

MB: Yes, sure.

MC: To go and have a good dance somewhere, because I love dancing. So, I’m looking forward to being able to do that.

Male: Yes, we really need to have fun.

MB: I think having fun would be absolutely the best reason for having a vaccination. Thank you.

Sophie is a volunteer in Lewisham.

I was rather ill in hospital over Christmas and New Year 2020/21. Nothing to do with Covid. I saw firsthand how stretched the NHS was. They somehow managed to look after me very well. Probably saved me from something nasty.

I am a fervent advocate of vaccinations. They have saved millions of people in the past from death and serious illness. As the Covid vaccination effort got going, I heard about the need for volunteers and got stuck in volunteering at clinics by mid-January. It was just what I had to do. To help the NHS and to help people avoid serious illness and death. No brainer. It still is.

My job is still very much on hold (I’m in tourism!) and I have lots of skills to share and contribute. It was strange initially but really wonderful and heartening to come into contact with so many people — patients, clinicians, and other volunteers — after a month of hard lockdown. It was great to be part of a team again. Thinking about it now actually is making me cry.

I learned a lot about how the health sector works. We just take it for granted, but there are people beavering away every day helping us to get and keep well. I think what sticks in my memory the most are a few really special patients and exceptional vaccinators. They will stay with me forever. Also the camaraderie and the sense that we were all working for something momentously important and good.

In spite of sometimes hilarious hiccups in the system and times when we were extremely stressed, I would end a 4-5-hour shift tired, terribly thirsty, and dying for a wee — but happy.