A RETIRED medical professional is “giving back to the community” by helping administer coronavirus vaccines.

Professor Chris Fegan has 36 years of experience in the health sector, specialising in haematology, and - despite retiring in December 2020 - has been volunteering at Barry's mass vaccination centre since the second day of it being open.

Prof. Fegan, who helped with clinical trials to treat people with serious Covid at Heath Hospital, said: "I live in the Vale and wanted to give back to the community, but I'm just doing my job.

“Coronavirus is a serious issue and the only way out is for us to pull together – it’s been great to be a part of that and it’s been phenomenally positive so far."

He added that coronavirus is "nothing like the flu" which he said is reflected in the rates of hospital admissions and deaths.

“Some people are scared because of the accelerated development, but be reassured that many millions of people around the world have had it and it is effective and safe," added Prof. Fegan.

"Everyone receiving the vaccine has been lovely and grateful.

"I think many have suffered in silence at home, which has led to more isolation. The virus has made people realise what they've taken for granted - it's a sharp reminder of what is important.

“People are grateful there’s a way out, which is why it’s so important to get the vaccinations done as quickly as possible.

“The people of Barry are lovely and it’s a privilege to be here for them and for us all.”

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Another volunteer at Barry's mass vaccination centre is senior RAF nurse Emma Daffey-Moore who – along with four of her colleagues – was deployed by the military to support NHS Wales.

Emma Daffey-Moore

Emma Daffey-Moore

Ms Daffey-Moore said: “We completed a training package then were nominated to come work at this vaccination centre.

“It’s gone very well, with a good uptake and all the people I’ve seen seem very grateful – it’s a privilege to support the vaccination rollout.

“People should get vaccinated to protect themselves and others, to reduce hospital admissions and protect the NHS.

“I’m not from the Vale but I’ve been accepted brilliantly and welcomed into the community.”

Barry's mass vaccination centre is the first in the Vale of Glamorgan and one of three covered by Cardiff and Vale University Healthboard.