The first dose of the Oxford-AstraZeneca (AZD1222) COVID-19 vaccine was delivered this morning, February 11, 2021, after 9:00 am in a ceremony aired live across social media and radio.

Coming in second for vaccination was new Governor, John J. Rankin CMG, in a short process that took seconds to complete.

'Let's get it on'- Hon Malone

“Let’s get it on,” were the words of Hon Malone after taking the vaccine in a short process that included the testing of his blood pressure and sterilisation of the point of entry for the vaccine on the left arm.

The Minister is scheduled to take his second dose of the vaccine in 6 weeks, on March 26, 2021, given that two doses of the vaccine are required for the Oxford-AstraZeneca variety.

Coming in second for vaccination was new Governor, John J. Rankin, CMG in a short process that took seconds to complete. Governor Rankin said he felt fine and hoped that many people as possible take the vaccine and that he was looking forward to a game of tennis later.

After some nervous moments, Speaker of the House Hon Julian Willock was able to remain still to have his vaccine administered.

HoA members step forward

Others to receive the vaccine this morning were a nervous House of Assembly (HoA) Speaker, Hon Julian Willock, who admitted he was afraid of needles and had to be calmed by Premier Andrew A. Fahie (R1); Opposition Leader Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8), Fourth District Representative Hon Mark H. Vanterpool (R4), along with Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9), Chief Medical Officers Dr Irad Potter and Dr Michael E. Georges as well as the wife of Hon Malone.

JTV Journalist Cathy O. Richards also volunteered to be the first female in the territory to get vaccinated and said she was encouraged to do so based on the courage of those before her.

Radio journalist Zan Lewis, who was more interested in knowing why Premier Fahie did not get vaccinated today, was also offered an opportunity to get his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine but declined.

Premier Fahie has said he is allowing frontline workers to get vaccinated before he takes his jab next week.

Today marks the official start of the government's vaccination programme where members of the public will first have to register via the website that has been set up for that purpose.

Opposition Leader Hon Marlon A. Penn (R8) gets his first dose of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine today, February 11, 2021.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has said he is allowing frontline workers to get vaccinated before he takes his COVID-19 jab next week.

JTV Journalist Cathy O. Richards also volunteered to be the first female in the territory to get vaccinated and said she was encouraged to do so based on the courage of those before her.