The first Covid-19 vaccination in Bristol, following successful trials, was given to 98 year old Jack Vokes, from Alveston. It took place at Southmead Hospital on 8 December 2020. It was a monumental breakthrough in the return to normality.

Southmead was one of 50 UK hubs to become operational as soon as possible after the Pfizer vaccine was approved by regulators. The first priorities were people over 80, care home staff, and NHS staff facing the highest risk from Covid-19.

Public reactions were mixed in Bristol. Most people seemed excited about the rollout of a new vaccine, others thought it was made available too soon to be safe. They were assured by medical staff that full testing had taken place.