AN IRISH pensioner who was previously told he had just an hour left to live after contracting Covid-19 is today celebrating after receiving the Pfizer vaccine.
Michael Delaney, 78, from Co Offaly first contracted the virus last March.
He spent seven weeks in hospital after collapsing outside his home and has few memories from his time there.
Unbeknownst to him at the time, his family had been informed he was at death’s door.
"I spent seven weeks in hospital and there was five weeks I don't remember anything at all," he told the Irish Sun.
"They (the hospital) rang the family and said I had an hour to live. The next morning I was up eating breakfast and here I am today getting the vaccine.”
Michael, originally from Ballycumber, was one of 47 residents at the Ferbane Care Centre t receive the vaccine.
It’s an experience that has left him lost for words.
“I don't know how to describe it, it's that good. I am very happy,” he said.
More importantly, it means Michael can look forward to seeing friends and family again.
"It means we could socialise with each other again,” he says.
Covid-survivor Michael Delaney (78) received his Pfizer vaccine this morning. After contracting the virus last March, doctors rang his family saying he had an hour to live. Ten months later the Ferbane Care Centre resident said he feels great. pic.twitter.com/51K4Lgsgal
— Cate McCurry (@CateMcCurry) January 7, 2021
Michael was one of the first care home residents to receive the jab in Ireland.
It comes as Health Minister Stephen Donnelly announces plans to accelerate the rollout of the vaccine to staff and residents at nursing homes across Ireland.
Under the plans, Michael and others at Ferbane Care Centre will receive the second done of the vaccine in three weeks.
Nursing Homes Ireland chief executive Tadhg Daly hailed the arrival of the vaccine as a “very significant milestone” for the badly hit care sector.
However, Daly is calling for the rollout to be expedited as soon as safely possible.
"The necessity for speedy rollout is exacerbated by the huge growth in numbers within our communities, with this leading to an increase in cases in our nursing homes,” he said.
"Every day of the week presents opportunity for nursing home residents and staff to be vaccinated."
