Guy's and St Thomas' joined by Prime Minister to launch COVID-19 vaccination programme

Tuesday 8 December 2020


Prime Minister with first patient to get the vaccine at Guy's Hospital

Guy’s and St Thomas’ were today joined by the Prime Minister Boris Johnson as they became one of the very first NHS trusts to begin vaccinating patients against COVID-19.

The Prime Minister met Lyn Wheeler, 81, who was the first to be administered the jab by staff at the vaccination centre at Guy’s Hospital. She said: “I was very happy to take part in something that I feel is very valuable. This is a very important moment”.

Lyn, from Bromley in south east London, hopes that having the vaccination will encourage other people to have it too. She said: “We can’t keep staying in our houses and not meeting our loved ones. I hope many, many people around the world will benefit from the vaccine.”

Lyn was given a round of applause by staff after she received her first dose of the vaccine. All of those who are vaccinated will need a booster jab 21 days later.

Dr Ian Abbs, Guy’s and St Thomas’ Chief Executive and Chief Medical Officer, said: "Today is an incredible day for the NHS, as we begin vaccinating patients against COVID-19. We are proud to be among the first in the world to start our vaccination programme and it was an honour to have the Prime Minister with us to share this historic day.

“I would like to pay tribute to all of our staff for all they have done this year to get us to this important point in our pandemic response, and for everything they continue to do to care for and protect our patients.”

Guy’s and St Thomas’ are among 50 hubs across the country designated to administer the first wave of COVID-19 vaccinations. Patients aged 80 and above who are already attending hospital as an outpatient, and those who are being discharged home after a hospital stay, will be among the first to receive the jab.

Last updated: March 2022

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