Salford resident Marie Pascale Namatchoua is urging everyone who is eligible to come forward for their COVID-19 vaccination after she experienced first-hand the impact of the virus.
“I never had a symptom. My other half had symptoms so was going for the test and I said I’d go with him to take the test together. He was ill and I wasn’t but then, four days later, I just broke. I couldn’t breathe I was coughing a lot. Then, on the second day, my eyes were itching. Three days later I was laying in bed thinking this is me going and I was fighting against this virus that people think is a joke and it isn’t.”
Three weeks after first showing symptoms, Marie began to feel better and has since had her first coronavirus vaccine. Marie is now urging everyone eligible to get vaccinated as well.
Marie said: “I’m a really strong person, I don’t let anything beat me. But COVID-19 just broke me in half. I couldn’t stand for more than 20 minutes. I think the vaccine is going to help. For me, taking the vaccine is the good path.”
People currently eligible for the vaccine through the Salford NHS vaccination service include the over-45s, people aged 16+ who have underlying health conditions, and carers, both paid and unpaid. People aged 40 and over can also book their vaccine through the national booking site. For more information, please go to www.salfordccg.nhs.uk/covid-vaccine