Coronavirus Scotland: Pensioners at heart of Glasgow's vaccine rollout speak out

Mhari Baumer, from Drumchapel, says the vaccine is a significant step to ending a "bad dream" in time for her family's "June blessing". 

The 67-year-old received her jab in the Glasgow Club Donald Dewar hub yesterday as Scotland passed the one million first doses mark. 

READ MORE: Older folk are showing the way on vaccine take up now the rest need to follow

She is one of a number of pensioners to speak out as we feature the people at the heart of the city's vaccination programme. 

Mhari Baumer, 67, Drumchapel

“I’m a hairdresser, so these past few months have been difficult. That’s the reason I’m getting the vaccine – to get back to work.

“Well, not the only one – my first grandchild is due in June. It’s been a wonderful blessing as my daughter is 41, and I’m just paying life is getting back to normal by then.

“Right now, it feels like I’ve been in a bad dream and I keep hoping I’ll wake up. Maybe this vaccine will be the end of it. If it hadn’t been for my two dogs, Teo and Sassy, I’m not sure what I’d have done.

“The people here have been great, and I was surprised how quick and painless getting the jab has been.”

Elizabeth Stewart, 67, Riddrie

“I couldn’t attend my local clinic so my stepdaughter drove me here today.

“The people were just great. They put me so at ease, and it was really relaxing. And it was completely painless!

“I’ve got two grandkids. They’re both 14, and I haven’t seen them for ages. When they were both at school I was too frightened to go near them.

READ MORE: Coronavirus: Vaccinations on track to reach one million today

“If it wasn’t for my shih tzu Poppy I don’t know what I would have done. I think taking her for walks every day was what kept me going.

“Now that I’ve had the vaccine, it feels like I might have a summer again, with family all round about me. Having us all together again would be wonderful.”

Ann Johnston, 67, Drumchapel

“I was feeling very calm. I came up early, and everyone have been fantastic.

“Live everyone else I’m fed up with it all … I’m just getting sick of this.

“I’m hoping this will make a big difference. I’ve got a caravan in Lochgoilhead and the last time I was there was July. I can’t wait to get back there, go for long walks and just relax. 

“This biggest thing though is just being able to see family again.

“Please go and get your vaccine – it will make such a big difference.”

Hugh Allan, 69, Drumchapel

“I’m fed up. That’s all I can really say.

“We can’t go anywhere. We have a six-year-old granddaughter and we’ve not seen her since before the second lockdown. We talk to her on Zoom and stuff but it’s just not the same. It’s a bit miserable really.

“My wife has mobility issues so getting about is hard enough at the best of times. She’s been really struggling lately – she’s scared to go anywhere, really. She got her vaccine on Saturday so I’m hoping to see a change in her soon.

READ MORE: New Glasgow Covid walk-through testing centre opens in Castlemilk

“Now that we’ve both had the jag, I’m hoping it will make a huge difference to us both. I can’t wait to get out and about with the wife again, and to see the wean.

“The end just can’t come soon enough now.”

Margaret and Archie Davies, Drumchapel

Margaret, 65, a domestic at Glasgow University 

“I’m just getting bored now – being stuck at home like this. I’ve got four grown-up kids and two grandchildren, girls aged 8 and 5, and I’ve not seen them since December.

“I hope the vaccine allows us to get back to normal life… and I can’t wait to get back to work.”

Retired warehouse worker Archie, 67

“It’s been really good. It’s made me feeling really hopeful for the future.

“I just can’t wait for some sense of normality. It’s the little things I’m looking forward to, like going to the pub and having a pint with my friends.”

Staff working hard to protect thousands have also had their say, telling of the inspirational people they have met. 

Pamela McLean, senior staff nurse and lead nurse at the clinic on the day

"Normally a community paediatric nurse at the city’s assisted support for learning schools.

“The people coming through here are great. 

“The uptake has been fantastic, but so far things have been running really smoothly.

“It’s been lovely getting to know people – we’re seeing a new person every five or 10 minutes, and hearing their stories, and their hopes for the future. For some it’s an important interaction with someone new.

“I can’t thank the team enough. They’re all choosing to be here, and that’s obvious in everything they do. 

“There are nurses, optometrists, pharmacists. We’ve even got a beauty therapist and a driving instructor booking people in. They’re all working together, friendly and helpful, and there to support each other.

“I don’t know anyone who doesn’t look forward to their shift.”

Ghaith Alnaeme, locum optometrist

“I initially responded to the appeal for the flu vaccine campaign, then moved on to Covid. I was really keen to help, and I’m glad I did.

“At first, you can sometimes see that people are nervous, they can be quite abrupt. After all the bad news people are anxious. This has become a really big deal for them.

“But I just talk them through the process, and the second they’ve had their vaccination there’s a complete change in them. They become chatty and really positive.

“In fact, it’s quite humbling how grateful people are. It make you realise that you’ve having a real effect on people’s lives, that we’re contributing and making a difference." 

Nikki Graham, admin assistant

“I own a beauty salon, so I don’t really have work right now. I used to do auxiliary nursing, so I wanted to do something to help.

“It’s so amazing being part of the vaccination programme. The atmosphere is amazing, and people who come here are in such good spirits. We even had a man treat us to a spot of tap-dancing last week!

“It really does feel like there’s light at the end of the tunnel.”

Ian Sanderson, admin assistant

“I’m a driving instructor, but my partner is a clinical lead. She came out of retirement to help with the vaccination effort, and it inspired me to sign up too.

“It’s so rewarding – I’m meeting people from all walks of life, and I feel like I’m doing something real to help them.

“Everyone here is doing such a fantastic job. It’s like we’re part of something really big, and that’s a great feeling.” 

Yvonne Docherty, healthcare support worker

“I’m a student paramedic – in my first year at Stirling University. 

“I’m so happy to be part of this – it’s great to see we’re finally getting somewhere in the fight against the virus. 

“And can I say, if you get your appointment, go and get your vaccination. No matter how old you are.

READ MORE: Glasgow's Castlemilk Covid hub opens as vaccine rollout continues

“I know some younger people – people my age – who don’t think the vaccine is as important for them, but when it comes to this virus, none of us is safe until all of us are safe.

“It’s important that we all play our part, so when that invitation comes, please, go and get vaccinated.”