A 79-YEAR-OLD Dublin woman has become the first person in Ireland to receive the Covid-19 vaccine.
Annie Lynch has made history as the first person in Ireland to receive the Covid vaccine.
The jab was administered at St James’s Hospital.
A grandmother from Drimnagh who grew up in the Liberties, Lynch said she felt “very privileged to be the first person in Ireland to receive the vaccine.”
“Like everyone else I have been waiting for the vaccine and I really feel like there is a bit of hope there now. It’s brilliant that it’s here. Everything was explained very clearly to me beforehand.”
HSE Chief Paul Reid, meanwhile, hailed the commencement of vaccinations in Ireland as a “beacon of light” and significant step forward in the country’s recovery from the pandemic.
"Today, a great beacon of light starts to shine, as we commence our vaccination programme,” he said.
"Let's all galvanise and unite behind this. It will take time but stay positive, stay safe, stick with us and we will get there."
(Photo by MARC O'SULLIVAN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)Ireland’s Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly also hailed the development as “a ray of light after what has been a trying year in our country.”
"It is testament to the work of the medical and scientific communities that we now have safe and effective vaccines to help to protect us against the devastating effects of COVID-19.”
Donnelly also paid tribute to healthcare workers across Ireland for the care they have provided throughout the pandemic.
“Our healthcare workers have worked day and night to care for their patients throughout this pandemic,” he said.
"I would like to acknowledge their dedication and commitment, and thank them for the central role they will play as we now move into administering the vaccines.
“While vaccines will help us in the fight against this pandemic, COVID-19 is still a threat to health and to our health services, and we must do everything we can to slow its spread. Please continue to follow the public health guidance, mind yourselves and mind your loved ones."
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