TWO well-known Enniskillen clerics have received their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccination.

Dean Kenneth Hall, of St. Macartin’s Cathedral, and Monseigneur Peter O’Reilly, of St. Michael’s Parish, Enniskillen received their Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine jabs last week.

Both serve as chaplains for the South West Acute Hospital, with Dean Hall serving as the Church of Ireland chaplain, and Monseigneur O’Reilly serving as the Roman Catholic chaplain.

Monseigneur O’Reilly received his first jab last Thursday at the Lakeland Forum, Enniskillen.

He told The Impartial Reporter about his experience. “I arrived in good time and was given a form to complete with my H&C number – we all have one for the NHS.

"There were a few questions checking if I was on any medication, or had any underlying conditions or allergies."

Monsignor O’Reilly was impressed with his treatment. He said: “When I got to the vaccination point, the nurses there went through the details very patiently and carefully.

"The vaccination itself only took a moment, and the nurses were very kind throughout.

"I was invited to wait 15 minutes afterwards before leaving [as a standard wellbeing check].

"So, it was all a straightforward, reassuring experience conducted by professional and helpful staff. The whole thing was very well set out, organised and conducted. I was impressed.”

Despite receiving his vaccine jab, Monsignor O’Reilly is still being vigilant about the threat of Covid-19.

He said: “I’m still being vigilant about the face covering, the hand sanitising, and about keeping a distance from others. This was only the first dose of the vaccine, after all; the other dose will come later.

“I’m conscious that I can still catch the virus, but equally I’m aware that after a week or two, even the first jab will give me a good degree of protection from the worst effects of this virus.

"But the vaccination does not allow me to be careless.”

Dean Hall received his first dose on Friday, and also praised the process. He described the vaccination as “really no different than a flu jab”.

Dean Hall praised the vaccination staff at the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum for ensuring “fantastic safety precautions”.

He added: “I had no fear of getting the vaccination jab. I was a wee bit sore afterwards, and felt a bit out of sorts the next day, as I tend to do after taking some medications, but I was fine the day after.

“I had a mild reaction – but I have no hesitation in going back for my second jab, as I don’t want to get Covid.”

He commented on receiving the vaccination jab through his role as hospital chaplain. He said: “ I still think we need to do our part as chaplains, as we could come in contact with the virus, or bring it to someone within the hospital."

Dean Hall said it was a matter of personal choice whether or not to get the vaccine, but added: “I have every faith in the authorities, I have every faith in the health service, and I accept the advice of those qualified to give advice.

"We all have to do our part.”