A Jarrow man who spent six weeks in intensive care and three months in total in hospital with Covid-19 said doctors told him having had both of his vaccine doses had probably saved his life.
Michael Evans, 68, is finally heading home after his ordeal, but wanted to thank the staff at South Tyneside Hospital for the care they cave him.
He said: "I cannot thank them enough for what they have done and if it wasn't for them, I don't think I would be here.
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"The doctors and nurses have been fantastic and I’ve been so well looked after."
He was rushed to hospital by his brother-in-law when he woke one night over the summer unable to breathe - but his memory of being taken to intensive care was fuzzy.
"I can’t really remember much of what happened and I can’t remember how I got to ITU," he said. "They had me on my belly, so I could breathe better, but that’s about it.
"I’m now feeling a lot better, but I still get breathless obviously and I’ve been doing physio and they’re really pleased with my progress."
Michael, a retired Heathrow Airport warehouseman, lives with his twin sister Marion and her husband in Jarrow.
He added his experience had highlighted the importance of getting the Covid-19 vaccines - and the booster jabs.
He said: "I've had both of my Covid-19 jabs and the doctor told me that it did help to save me, as he said he didn’t think I’d be here if I hadn’t had them.
"People need to get them, 100%, and I would encourage them too, it certainly saved me and helped the doctors and nurses at that."
Health authorities are in the midst of rolling out booster vaccinations and the winter flu jab to as many people as possible
People over the age of 50, NHS staff and others in vulnerable groups are currently eligible for the booster jab, while 12 to 15-year-olds are now able to get their first vaccines.
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