YESTERDAY, (December 18) marked the first day the NHS started delivering the COVID-19 vaccine in Ealing.

The first recipient was Ruy Silva, 88, and it was administered by nurse Julie Belton.

Silvana Neves, Silva's next of kin, said: "He feels great, he's so happy about that.

"He's got a little bit of Alzheimer's, but he understands what is going on.

"It means for us that we are feeling a bit safer, as we were worried because he has got so many limitations and we are trying to make it better for him.

"After that [the vaccine] we feel more confidence."

You cannot book in advance for the vaccine; people over the age of 80 and those on the government's priority list will be directly contacted with the details of how they can receive the vaccine.

It will take time to vaccinate everyone in the first group, expected to take place between January and April.

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Councillor Binda Rai, Ealing Council's cabinet member for health and adult services, said: "This is a very exciting development for us all and it's great news that the vaccine has arrived in Ealing.

"Some of our most vulnerable residents will be getting protection against this dreadful disease, although that protection will not be in place until they receive the second of the two vaccines required.

"With the Christmas period almost here, please remember that the risk of catching COVID-19 is still high.

"So, do follow the national public health guidance: Wash your hands regularly, wear a face covering in enclosed spaces and maintain safe social distancing.

"I personally know of cases where social distancing has helped to keep people safe, who otherwise may have been infected.

"So, this year, as we get together with loved ones in our Christmas bubbles, please do think about the choices you make and the impact they could have on the health of the people you love.

'The risk of catching COVID-19 is the same as ever for all of us, so please do stay safe."