Kilcullen vaccinations get under way

It's a big V-Day in Kilcullen as the vaccinations of over-85s in the community took place at their local GP clinic, writes Brian Byrne.

Kitty Reade, pictured above with Dr Deirdre Collins and Dr Susanne Francke of Kilcullen Family Practice, was early among some 50 people who received their first round of the anti-Covid vaccination there.

"I'm the happiest woman in Kilcullen today," she told the Diary, and it was clear she had a big smile behind her mask. "Like everybody else in this I've been browned off and fed up, but when Dr Collins told me my vaccination was to be today I felt like a 16-year-old." Saying that this 'is the start for us' in getting back, she's looking forward to the time for the most important thing. "When we can hug our grandchildren again."

Also in today were brother and sister Jim Howe and Brigid Robotham, who hadn't seen each other since last March. Jim lives in Ballysax, and Brigid is now in Newbridge. "We talk every day on the phone," she said, "but we haven't met up. He's looking younger."

There was a real buzz around the balloon-decorated practice as people arrived for their appointments, got their vaccinations, and waited for 15 minutes before leaving again. All with leaflets, and reminders that they'll be back in due course for their second shots.

One of the few good days of this last Covid year. The next cohorts to get their shot here will be over-80s and then over-75s, which will be scheduled in coming weeks.

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