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Rainham pensioner needs third Covid vaccine after botched jab

A grandfather has been told he needs another Covid vaccination after his second dose leaked down his arm.

But more than six weeks after the botched jab, Stephen Devlin is still anxiously waiting.

Stephen Devlin is 72
Stephen Devlin is 72

The 72-year-old, of Beverley Close, Rainham, had his second vaccine at Parkwood Health Centre on April 22. When some of the liquid did not go in, he was worried about not being fully vaccinated so complained to the centre the following day and asked for another dose but was told no.

Concerned, the retired HGV driver and former military policeman, went to see his GP at Church View Practice, based in Rainham Healthy Living Centre. His GP advised him to wait 28 days and then get an antibody test.

But when he returned to the blood test department at the healthy living centre in Rainham High Street a month later, he was told they could not do that kind of test, despite having a form from his GP. At a loss of what to do next, Mr Devlin contacted KentOnline.

We were told by Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) that Mr Devlin will need another dose.

A spokesman said: “Guidance from Public Health England advises that if some of the Covid-19 vaccine leaks and a full dose is not administered, another should be given as soon as possible. The patient should contact their GP surgery as it is important for everyone to have two doses of the vaccine to ensure the maximum level of protection against coronavirus.”

The NHS has advised another dose of the vaccine
The NHS has advised another dose of the vaccine

Mr Devlin immediately contacted his GP and was given a telephone appointment the following week. But his GP has now told him there is nothing he can do for him as the pensioner is registered as having had two doses. The CCG has given him an email address to contact instead.

He said: "I'm worried that it is still not going to get sorted. I've waited weeks already and I'm feeling quite anxious about it now. Without that second dose, I'm not as protected from Covid as I should be."

Mr Devlin's wife suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) which causes breathing difficulties so he is worried about keeping her safe too.

He added: "My wife was shielding for a long time and she still doesn't go out much. She is high risk, this is why I'm anxious.

"I look at the figures every day and Covid cases are rising.

Mr Devlin had his second dose at Parkwood Health Centre in Rainham
Mr Devlin had his second dose at Parkwood Health Centre in Rainham

When KentOnline tried to contact Church View Practice, we were on hold for more than 40 minutes without success. DMC Healthcare, which runs the practice, has been contacted for a comment.

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