'I was scared of the injection' says man, aged 78, who had COVID-19 jab thanks to home care worker

A 78-year-old man living at home with Parkinson’s Disease has revealed how he did not want to have the coronavirus vaccine that could protect his life, until his home care worker changed his mind.

Home care workers at Bluebird Care Westminster and the City of London have been taking people reliant on care at home to their vaccination appointments as part of the national COVID-19 vaccine rollout but convincing people to have the jab has also been part of the job, as some are reluctant to have it.

'Reassured me and kept me cheerful'

The septuagenarian named John, who has been receiving care at home from Bluebird Care Westminster and the City of London, said: “My Bluebird Care care assistant took me to have the COVID-19 vaccine, which was important to me as I was scared of the injection.

“My care assistant reassured me throughout the journey and kept me cheerful.

“The care assistant kept me safe and arranged for the taxis. After the vaccine, Bluebird Care cared for me and looked for any side effects, which I did not have. I could not ask for any better."

The home care service, which has been rated 'Outstanding' by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), has accompanied over fifteen people to their vaccination appointments, ensuring step-free access to vaccination centres, organising transport and providing aftercare check-ins.

Peter Slough, managing director of Bluebird Care Westminster and the City of London, said: "Our customers' health and safety is our main priority, and I am incredibly proud of the hard work the team has done to make this possible.

'Put them at ease'

“With many of our customers shielding throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, having a well-trusted escort and a friendly face has put them at ease.

"We strive to deliver the best care support to our customers, and we are delighted to provide this service."

Some home care providers have highlighted there are people receiving care at home who have been unable or unwilling to attend vaccination appointments.

To date (17 February), more than 15 million people across the UK have received their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine. People aged over 65, carers and 16 to 64-year-olds with underlying health conditions are now being contacted about making a vaccine appointment.

click here for more details or to contact Bluebird Care Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea