Local hairdresser is one in a 100,000

4th March 2021

A hairdresser from Bredbury is Stockport’s 100,000 patient to be vaccinated against  COVID-19.

Michelle Conway, aged 42, qualified for the vaccine due to underlying health conditions. She received the milestone jab at Bredbury Medical Centre. This is one of the vaccination centres supported by NHS Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group.

She said: “I can’t believe that I’m the 100,000 person to be vaccinated in Stockport. I’ve never been so excited to have an injection in my life. If the vaccine gets us closer to having a normal life, I’d have gone anywhere at any time to have it.

“There’s been such a Dunkirk spirit with everyone working together and I think that’s what’s driven people. NHS staff are giving up their weekends to do the vaccination clinics. They do it because it’s making a difference.

“The only way to get rid of this disease is by vaccinating people, so when it’s your turn get it done. We are going to get there; we’re going to sort it.”

Dr. Cath Briggs, Chair of Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “If everyone takes up the offer of being vaccinated, it brings us one step closer to being able to see friends and family safely. We must all continue to follow the Government guidance to wear a mask, social distance and wash your hands.”

Dr Meenal Gor, GP at Chadsfield Medical Practice in Stockport, has been heavily involved in the vaccination clinics and she stresses how important it is that everyone gets vaccinated.

“If anyone has worries stopping them from coming forward for the vaccination, please get a telephone appointment with your GP and discuss your particular concerns. We encourage everyone to get vaccinated to reduce the risk from this virus and if you’ve had your first vaccination, make sure you get your second to have full protection.”

Councillor Jude Wells, Cabinet Member for Adult Care and Health, said: “Congratulations to Michelle on becoming the 100,000 patient to receive a vaccination and becoming part of history in Stockport. Michelle now joins every single one of those people who have had the vaccination in helping to make Stockport a safer, healthier place for its residents, so thank you very much.”

Andrew Loughney, Medical Director for Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, said “The Trust is really proud to have been part of this team effort, getting so many people vaccinated in Stockport in such a small space of time.  One hundred thousand local people have been vaccinated and the protection therefore given to the whole community is immense.  There is more to do, but working together we can continue to achieve great things.”

All those in priority groups 1-4 should now have been offered a Covid vaccination. If you have not received an appointment, or were unable to accept one due to illness, self-isolating or any other reason, it is not too late. The easiest way to arrange a vaccination is through the national booking service which can be accessed at nhs.uk/covid-vaccination.

If you are not in a priority group, please wait, you will be contacted by the NHS when it is your turn to be vaccinated.

It’s important to continue to wear face coverings, be socially distant, wash and sanitise hands regularly and keep indoor spaces well ventilated.

Photo Caption: from left to right, one in 100,000 patient Michelle Conway with Dr. Meenal Gor, GP, outside Woodley Medical Centre, Stockport.