Prime Minister watches first vaccination in South London hospital which saved his life – to 81-year-old from Bromley

Prime Minister Boris Johnson watched as the hospital which saved his life gave its first vaccination to an 81-year-old Bromley resident.

Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust was joined by the Premier, who was in its intensive care unit for a week in April, to launch COVID-19 vaccination programme.

Guy’s and St Thomas’ is one of the first NHS trusts to begin vaccinating patients against COVID-19.

The Prime Minister met vaccinated recipient 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, 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.”

Pictured: Boris Johnson visits Covid-19 Vaccine Centre and watches Lynn have her Covid-19 Vaccine injection at Guy’s Hospital, on the day the vaccine is rolled out across the country. Picture by Andrew Parsons / No 10 Downing Street