VACCINATION is no guarantee against Covid-19 as a Ludlow health worker knows.

Tracey Huffer, who works at the Station Drive surgery, was one of the first to be vaccinated but that did not prevent her falling ill and feeling rotten.

But Mrs Huffer, who is also Shropshire councillor for Ludlow East, believes the jab stopped her from being more seriously ill and perhaps kept her from being hospitalised with the virus.

The vaccination does not provide immediate protection and can take up to three weeks to spark immunity.

“As a frontline health worker, I was one of the first in Ludlow to be vaccinated,” she said.

“I was sore and had a light fever for a couple of days.

“But then it was back to normal, working alongside a fantastic team of staff at Station Drive Surgery, as well as being a councillor and a hill farmer. I was also looking after a family member who was ill.

“I was aware that vaccination does not give complete protection, even after two doses. So it proved. But I believe the vaccination has protected me from a more severe infection.

“My symptoms have been pretty grim. At times it was a bit scary. I have felt very weak.

“I can’t talk much at present as that starts off a coughing fit. I can’t taste or smell.

“Eating is just going through the motions. I look at it. Fancy it. And it tastes of nothing or like carboard at best. At one point, my temperature rose to 38.5C.

“Sleeping at night has been hard. It was the pain in my head and back that was the worst. I have drifted in and out of nightmares.

"There will always be a few per cent of people who are vaccinated and then get Covid. Just like with the flu vaccine.

“I was unlucky but I have been more exposed to potential Covid sources than most people.

“At one point my SATS – that’s medical jargon for oxygen saturation – dropped a little. Again, it was a bit scary but using the pulse oximeter was also reassuring."

"My experience is showing that the vaccines work. Although I haven't had full immunity, my body has the strength to fight it.

"No one should be put off getting vaccinated. And we should get on with the second vaccination as soon as we can."