Vulnerable and deaf Weymouth man 'excited' to have first Covid-19 vaccination

David Harris, of Old Castle Road struggles to speak on the phone and missed two appointments for his first jab because he could not travel to Poole, which he was told was his nearest venue for vaccination.

But Mr Harris, who is deaf and does not drive, was helped by his neighbour Clare Coleman and has been able to rearrange for his first Covid-19 jab to be administered at Melcombe Day Centre, in Weymouth Community Hospital at 4.20pm on Saturday.

She said: "He struggles to speak on the phone and so I have had to rearrange his appointment for him.

"I'm aware if he didn't want to have his first vaccination in Poole he could have waited for his GP to contact him directly, but that could take months.

"All of his friends have had their first vaccine - and it's heartbreaking to see him struggle with his situation every day.

"Unfortunately, I spoke to staff at the NHS who said he had to speak to them himself if he wanted an appointment at a closer clinic, but he isn't able to speak on the phone. In the end I was able to help get an appointment for Saturday."

Mr Harris is delighted he can now receive his jab closer to home this weekend.

Mr Harris said: "I'm excited. It's a relief and something to look forward to.

"It's been very lonely this past year because I live alone.

"I was sick of waiting and want my life back.

"Some of my friends have had their jabs, and I just wanted to get my appointment booked, but I struggle to speak so I needed help."

Mr Harris said the one thing he is looking forward to more than anything is to watch his beloved Weymouth FC again.

A spokesman for NHS Dorset CCG, said: "If you have been invited to book an appointment at the large vaccination centre but are unable to travel, do not do anything.

"Please wait to be contacted by your GP services with an offer of a vaccination appointment local to you."