THE granddaughter of a Marnel Lodge resident believes the Covid-19 vaccine lessened the symptoms of the virus for her 89-year-old grandmother, possibly saving her life.

As reported, Marnel Lodge in Carter Drive, Popley declared an outbreak of the virus on January 10, which has resulted in up to nine people dying.

Laura Rodgers said her grandmother Brenda Dunk developed symptoms of Covid on January 15 and was taken to hospital after deteriorating.

She spent five days in hospital where she received steroids and antibiotics.

Laura, a mother-of-three from Brighton Hill, said: “When granny became poorly and subsequently tested positive it was upsetting but we knew that she would be cared for well. Overnight she deteriorated but we were updated regularly, and then when she became too poorly to be with them, she was transferred to hospital quickly.

“Without their care and recognition of her deterioration, she could have got a lot sicker.”

Residents at Marnel Lodge, in Carter Drive, were among the first to receive the vaccine, with doctors from The Chineham Medical Practice visiting on New Year’s Day to administer it. The government advises that it may take a week or two to build up some protection from the first dose of vaccine.

Laura believes that although her grandmother may not have built up enough protection to prevent her from catching Covid, it may have lessened her symptoms.

“She had the vaccine on 1 January and developed symptoms on the 15. So, she didn’t have enough time to get the antibodies as they say three weeks. I do, however, think it lessened her symptoms,” said Laura, adding: “She’s not a well lady anyway so for her to survive I think is attributed to it.”

Laura has spoken out against those who fear there is a link between the vaccine and the Covid outbreak, saying: “People have to realise that the vaccine takes a while to produce antibodies, it’s not immediate, no vaccine is. And you need the second dose.”

Thankfully, Brenda recovered enough to return to Marnel Lodge, and Laura said staff were so excited that she had managed to get up and dressed this morning, they FaceTimed Laura to show her.

“The home were so pleased to have her back. She’s still poorly and weak but she is definitely in the best place. Thank you doesn’t seem enough,” said Laura.

Laura praised the staff at Marnel Lodge for their efforts during the pandemic, saying: “From day one they were fantastic.

“Nothing has ever been too much trouble; we have always been involved and it is very much a family. Sebastien the manager is literally the most amazing and caring and compassionate person I’ve ever met.”

Laura, who gave up her job as a midwife to be a full-time carer to her daughter who has epilepsy and special educational needs, said the home had done everything to keep residents safe during the pandemic, with visits arranged for relatives in the garden during the summer, and recently in a specially built room.

The 36-year-old said: “We FaceTime, send emails and are called regularly.”

Laura said the home had no Covid cases until this year, and when a resident tested positive, she said the manager was in touch immediately, keeping them updated throughout.

The government's advice on the Covid vaccines states: “The Covid-19 vaccine has been shown to reduce the chance of you suffering from Covid-19 disease. Each vaccine has been tested in more than 20,000 people in several different countries and shown to be safe.

“It may take a week or two for your body to build up some protection from the first dose of vaccine. Like all medicines, no vaccine is completely effective, so you should continue to take recommended precautions to avoid infection.

“Some people may still get Covid-19 despite having a vaccination, but this should be less severe.”

It adds that to receive the “best protection” two doses of the vaccine are needed.