A SOLIHULL care worker has explained why a food allergy didn’t stop her from getting a covid-19 vaccine.
Lisa Hutchins, who works at the Royal Star and Garter in Solihull, said she was concerned about having the jab because of her fish allergy.
The receptionist joined the Monkspath Hall Road team last January shortly before the pandemic hit and has been working throughout.
When news broke the Pfizer vaccine could lead to complications if someone had an allergy Lisa felt a bit nervous.
She said: “I initially went to have the vaccine at a session set up at a GP surgery.
“When I was there, I told them that I had a shellfish allergy and they said I couldn’t have the jab. But when the GP at the Home came, she told me that unless you need an adrenaline pen and have severe anaphylactic shock, that you can go ahead with it.
“I was a bit nervous, but I was reassured that unless I have severe reactions to food and medication, I could have the Pfizer vaccine. So I had it.”
She said the injection itself was fine and she had to stay behind 30 minutes because of my food allergy and she didn’t have an allergy.
In general people have to stay behind for 15 minutes after they have had the jab.
Lisa said: “I think it’s really important that staff and residents have the jab.
“I think vaccines are very important, as some diseases have been eradicated in the past through vaccination programmes.
“It would mean life returning slowly back to normal too when everyone is vaccinated, because for the past nine months all I have done is come to work and go home.
“I’ve seen very little of my family. Even during the time when I could visit, I have kept it to an absolute minimum because of where I work.”
Although the care home has tried to keep spirits up and have been welcoming visitors – in line with Government guidelines – Lisa is longing to return to the atmosphere she encountered in her first few weeks.
She said: ” In my first month here, there were lots of visitors, family members, entertainers, and we even had dogs coming in. There was such a great atmosphere.”
