England’s deputy chief medical officer’s 79-year-old mother received her Covid-19 vaccination at the Jenner Health Centre in Whittlesey.

Elizabeth Van-Tam, the mother of Professor Jonathan Van Tam, says she was “really happy” to receive the jab at around 11am this morning (January 21).

She said: “I was really happy to get my COVID-19 vaccine. While I’ve had lots of reminders from Jonathan, I needed no encouragement when I received my phone call.

Ely Standard: Elizabeth Van Tam, 79, the mother of Jonathan Van-Tam, deputy chief medical officer for England, waits to be vaccinated against Coronavirus at the the Jenner Health Centre in Whittlesey.Elizabeth Van Tam, 79, the mother of Jonathan Van-Tam, deputy chief medical officer for England, waits to be vaccinated against Coronavirus at the the Jenner Health Centre in Whittlesey. (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

“The jab didn’t hurt at all and the NHS staff were excellent. I would encourage everyone to take up the offer when it comes.”

Prof Van Tam said: “I’m delighted my mum has received her covid vaccination and to know she will have some protection against this deadly virus.

“Like everyone else, it’s important that she also has her second dose when called for this.

Ely Standard: Elizabeth Van Tam, 79, the mother of Jonathan Van Tam, deputy chief medical officer for England, walks with her son-in-law Nick Hayes as she attends the Jenner Health Centre in Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire, for her first dose of the coronavirus vaccination.Elizabeth Van Tam, 79, the mother of Jonathan Van Tam, deputy chief medical officer for England, walks with her son-in-law Nick Hayes as she attends the Jenner Health Centre in Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire, for her first dose of the coronavirus vaccination. (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

“Vaccines are the way out of this pandemic and I urge everyone to take up the offer as soon as they are called forward.

“It is essential that everyone continues to stay at home if possible whether they have had the vaccine or not to protect the NHS and save lives.”