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.