HISTORY was made in Colchester yesterday with the first patients receiving a vaccine for coronavirus at the town’s hospital.

The hospital, run by the East Suffolk and North Essex Trust, is one of 53 across the UK to take part in the first round of distribution of the BioNTech and Pfizer vaccine, which is believed to be 95 per cent effective against Covid-19.

The trust said it was “delighted and honoured” to be involved in the first stages of the roll out of Britain’s biggest ever vaccination programme.

Nick Hulme, the trust’s chief executive, urged the community to remain cautious of coronavirus and be patient whilst the programme was rolled out.

He said: “This really is an incredible day for the NHS and for our hospitals. I am so proud of all our teams who have worked together to make this happen.

“We must remember this is just the beginning though. Today we are asking our communities to be patient.

“We know it will take many weeks to get the vaccine to everyone who is in a vulnerable group.

“Do wait for us to get in touch with you to invite you along for your vaccination, and thank you for helping to be a part of the safe delivery of this vaccine.

“In the meantime, remember hands, face, space and do all you can to keep yourself and others around you safe and well.”

Residents over the age of 80 who are already attending Colchester Hospital as outpatients, as well as those being discharged home after a stay at Colchester Hospital, will receive the vaccine first.

Those aged over 80 in the area will be invited for a jab and the hospital will work with care home providers to book in staff for vaccinations.

Any appointments not used for these groups will be used for NHS workers who are at highest risk of serious illness from Covid-19.

Once the first jab has been administered, residents will have to book a second one in three weeks.

Colchester Council leader Mark Cory said the vaccine’s arrival was brilliant news for the town.

He said “I am really pleased and happy to see our hospital being a hub for the vaccine locally and for it starting the actual vaccination programme. It’s great news.

“Colchester residents have, on the whole, followed the rules and advice very well and out rates remain low.

“Despite that, I know personally, how tough it is living through this, adding extra stress and worry to our lives, really affecting our mental health.

“So having the vaccine on the horizon gives us all some light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you to all NHS staff supplying the vaccine; it is safe and we all have a duty to take it.

A warning was issued by vaccine regulators yesterday to people who had a history of “significant” allergic reactions after two NHS staff members suffered an allergic reaction to the jab.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has given precautionary advice to NHS trusts saing anyone who has a history of “significant” allergic reactions to medicines, food or vaccines should not receive the vaccine.