The mum of a Perth teen who became one of the youngest in the region to receive her COVID jab has commended the Fair City’s vaccination setup.
Holly Webster (16), who suffers from two lifelong illnesses, received her Pfizer dose in the Dewars Centre’s vaccination hub at 3.40pm on Saturday.
The PA revealed last week that the Perth Grammar pupil has had to shield in her home with her family for the majority of the last 12 months because she is afflicted by hereditary spherocytosis and von Willebrand disease (VWD).
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The teen, who has been 16 for less than two months, had to have her spleen removed in May 2019 to improve her condition, but as a side effect it compromised her immune system.
Mum Fiona pushed for Holly to get the Pfizer vaccine as her GP could only offer the Oxford AstraZeneca one - which is not being given to under 18s.
Following a successful meeting with a consultant in Ninewells, Holly attended her jab appointment at the weekend, to her mum’s delight.
Fiona, who has shielded with Holly, her sister Robyn (11) and brother Ethan (8) during both lockdowns, said: “It went well and the Dewars Centre was really well set up.
“I can’t fault the organisation - it was really amazing.
“We went in and the staff there ask you to change your face mask to one of theirs.
“And there was always someone there telling you where to go or where things were.
"We headed to the bowling green where Holly got her injection, and then headed to a separate area where they ask you to wait for 15 minutes, in case you have any reactions.
“She had to put some pressure on her arm for a bit longer because of her condition.
“But in total we were only there for a total of about 25 minutes, so it went by quick.
“All she has had since is a sore arm, like any other jab, and has had nothing else - even though I am always asking her if she feels okay!”
Despite receiving the jab Fiona says Holly will still need to wait a little while longer before she can plan an outside meet-up.
“We were told that the vaccine will take two to three weeks to take full effect,” Fiona said.
“So we are still inside and we have not planned any walks as of yet.
“Nicola Sturgeon will be making her announcement and may have updated information so we will see after that.
“It is another 12 weeks for her second dose, so there is still a while to go but we are getting there.”
Spherocytosis is a condition that affects red blood cells and typically leads to anaemia, jaundice, a shortness of breath, gallstone pains and an enlarged spleen.
VWD is an inherited condition where blood cells do not stick together as much as they should, meaning the person bleeds more easily than normal.
