18.27°C Vancouver

Dec 8, 2020 4:42 PM -

90-year-old British grandma is first in world to get Pfizer Covid vaccine shot

Share On

Margaret Keenan, a 90-year-old grandmother on Tuesday became the first Briton/person in the world to receive the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine shot outside of a clinical trial.

The United Kingdom has become the first Western nation to begin vaccinating its citizens with a coronavirus shot outside of clinical trials, a landmark moment amid the pandemic, CNN reported.

Those who are vaccinated will be issued with a "vaccination passport" containing details such as date of vaccination and date of the first inoculation to remind people when to receive the second jab.

The vaccine has to be administered twice.

More than 40,000 volunteers were involved in the vaccine trials with only mild side effects being reported among the volunteers.

Keenan received the first of two vaccine doses at 6:31 am (local time) at University Hospital in Coventry, a week before she turns 91 years old.

The first 800,000 doses are going to people over 80 who are either hospitalized or already have outpatient appointments scheduled, along with nursing home workers. Others will have to wait their turn.

Latest news

unions-raise-concerns-over-possible-changes-to-federal-labour-laws-in-canada
CanadaMay 21, 2026

Unions raise concerns over possible changes to federal labour laws in Canada

Several Canadian unions are raising concerns over potential changes to federal labour laws being considered by Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government, warning the move could limit workers’ right to strike. According to reports, the federal government circulated a discussion paper on April 17 seeking feedback from selected stakeholders, including representatives from the airline, port, railway, telecommunications and banking sectors. Union groups say they are concerned the government could expand the number of workplaces classified as “essential services,” a designation that can restri
AlbertaMay 21, 2026

Czech snowboarder dies after fall into glacier crevasse in Jasper National Park

A 38-year-old man from the Czech Republic has died after falling into a crevasse on the Columbia Icefield in Alberta’s Jasper National Park, according to RCMP. Police said officers were called to the Columbia Icefield area on May 12 after reports that a snowboarder had fallen into a glacier crevasse while travelling with two friends. RCMP identified the victim as a Czech national who had been living in Revelstoke, B.C. Police said recovery efforts were complicated by the remote terrain and harsh environmental conditions, delaying immediate access to the body. The Columbia Icefield is a major
alberta-premier-danielle-smith-expected-to-announce-cabinet-shuffle
AlbertaMay 21, 2026

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith expected to announce cabinet shuffle

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is expected to announce changes to her cabinet in Calgary on Thursday, with several high-profile portfolios potentially changing hands. Smith has not publicly confirmed which ministers may be moved, added, or removed from cabinet. According to previous public statements from the government, at least two major portfolios are vacant after Finance Minister Nate Horner and Hospitals Minister Matt Jones announced they will not seek re-election in 2027 and plan to step away from cabinet duties. Speculation has centred on Social Services Minister Jason Nixon as a possib
CanadaMay 21, 2026

Ontario investigating suspected Ebola case linked to East Africa travel

Ontario health officials say a patient who recently returned from East Africa has been hospitalized and tested for Ebola as a precautionary measure. A spokesperson for the Ontario Ministry of Health said the testing is being conducted under established medical protocols and “out of an abundance of caution.” Officials said there are currently no confirmed Ebola cases in the province. Public health authorities said infection-control measures have been implemented to reduce any potential risk of transmission. Officials also emphasized that Ebola does not spread easily through the air and said
CanadaMay 21, 2026

Toronto Pearson airport baggage tag scam linked to international drug smuggling investigation

A suspected international drug smuggling network operating through Toronto Pearson International Airport has been uncovered following the arrest of six baggage and ramp employees over the past year, according to reports citing an RCMP investigation. Authorities allege the scheme involved switching baggage tags on passengers’ luggage and replacing them with suitcases containing illegal drugs destined for international locations. The operation allegedly led to several innocent Canadian travellers being detained abroad on drug trafficking allegations. Reports indicate at least 17 passengers wer

Related News