STAFF and residents at a Halesowen care home have been given the COVID-19 vaccine.
Lapal House was among the first wave of the borough's care homes to get the jab - with the Oxford Astra Zeneca Covid-19 vaccine administered to all its staff and residents yesterday (Wednesday January 13).
A doctor and nurse from Feldon Lane Surgery in Halesowen visited the care home in Lapal Lane South to administer the jabs to around 30 staff and 40 residents.
The privately-run home has been hit by an outbreak of coronavirus - with five residents and 13 staff having tested positive last April as the pandemic took its hold on the country.
A 100-year-old gentleman, the eldest of the five residents who had tested positive for Covid-19, sadly died.
The roll out of vaccinations across the country is hoped to be bringing people one step closer to getting back to normal life.
Lapal House owner Tony Billingham, himself in his 80s, said: "The doctor and nurse from Feldon Lane came in first thing.
"All the staff have been vaccinated in one room and all the residents in another room.
"I'm very pleased - I feel at ease now.
"All the staff agreed to have the vaccine.
"It's a great relief.
"I was hoping it would have been before now, but we can't complain."
Mr Billingham also had the vaccine.
He said the vaccinations were arranged through the care home's pharmacist.
The care home installed a pod in its grounds last year (pictured above) to allow residents to socially distance with family members outside in all weathers - with a screen between the resident and their family member to keep them safe.
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