Patients on the coast have been receiving the first doses of a coronavirus vaccine.

Teams of vaccinators at the James Paget hospital, in Gorleston, began administering the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine on Wednesday morning (December 9) in the physiotherapy gym which has ben temporarily converted into a vaccination hub.Great Yarmouth Mercury: The James Paget Hospital on the first day of COVID-19 vaccinations. Picture: Danielle BoodenThe James Paget Hospital on the first day of COVID-19 vaccinations. Picture: Danielle Booden (Image: Archant 2020)

The Gorleston hospital has a team of 40 members of staff helping with the vaccinations.Great Yarmouth Mercury: Volunteer Lewis Lavery helping with the COVID-19 vaccinations at the James Paget Hospital. Picture: Danielle BoodenVolunteer Lewis Lavery helping with the COVID-19 vaccinations at the James Paget Hospital. Picture: Danielle Booden (Image: Archant 2020)

Roy Vademan, 82, from Great Yarmouth, said he was "well happy" with being given the injection.

"At my age, I'm glad I'm having it down, it gives me that bit more protection," he added.

Brian Woods, also 82 and from Great Yarmouth, said: "It's great."

Molly Gallie, 92, from Gorleston, said: "It means a lot. I'm getting on. Against all the odds, with all I've had over the last year, I'm still here, and I'm quite surprised.

"I used to be really fit, but I can't do what I want to do, I'm not as fit as I used to be.

Ms Gallie, who has three children, was diagnosed with skin cancer last year.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Kim Crosswell, Pathway Co-ordinator for Dementia, working on the reception for the COVID-19 vaccinations at James Paget Hospital. Picture: Danielle BoodenKim Crosswell, Pathway Co-ordinator for Dementia, working on the reception for the COVID-19 vaccinations at James Paget Hospital. Picture: Danielle Booden (Image: Archant 2020)

Those who received an injection on Wednesday will return in Janaury for a second dose.

The roll out of the vaccine at the hospital is being overseen by Jonty Yazbec, a quality improvement program manager.

"I'm one of the many hands overseeing this," Mr Yazbec said.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Volunteer Kelly Twiggs helping with the COVID-19 vaccinations at the James Paget Hospital. Picture: Danielle BoodenVolunteer Kelly Twiggs helping with the COVID-19 vaccinations at the James Paget Hospital. Picture: Danielle Booden (Image: Archant 2020)

People aged 80 and over, care home workers and NHS workers who are at higher risk are the first to receive the vaccine.

Vaccinations are by appointment only at this stage.