With those in their 40s now able to get the Covid vaccine, Oxford Mail editor Pete Gavan went along to get his at the Kassam Stadium. Here he explains what happened and how it felt...

Getting the Covid jab is a day we'll all remember for the rest of our lives.

And while more than 30 million people have already had theirs it's taken a while to get down to my age group.

But the text message I'd been waiting for came, I was in Oxford for work a couple of days later, so I booked the Kassam Stadium to get mine.

Pulling up on the day, the sun blazing, a steady flow of people were going to and from the car park – there were many smiles.

Unsurprisingly, it was a slick operation. Greeters outside the stadium doors checked everyone had their invite and stepping inside, visitors were 'signed in'.

For those without their NHS number (me), it was handed to them, before heading upstairs.

One final check at the desk then it was join the queue.

In front of me was a bank of cubicles, each with a medic giving the life-saving vaccine.

While there wasn't a lot of chat in while I was waiting, it was crystal clear everyone was happy to be there and all the NHS workers and volunteers were chipper.

Then, barely 15 minutes after parking up I was in the chair. Last check for allergies, and it was done.

And although there's no 'instant' protection, I certainly did feel relief – for me, my family, my parents – and not a little emotion.

If any one of us pauses for even a moment to consider where we are barely a year after the outbreak, it seems unbelievable. Yet, amazingly, scientists around the world beat the odds to come up with this vaccine (Oxford/AstraZenica in my case) that had just gone in my arm – incredible.

So I joined the more than 50 per cent of the UK population who've had the jab and it felt good. As has been reported, there are pockets of people who are not willing to take the vaccine.

But I'd encourage every Oxford Mail reader to do so – when you get your message, make sure you get the jab. Tell your friends, tell your family, tell everyone you know. To state the somewhat obvious, it's the key to all of us getting out freedom and while we've all had a taste of it these past weeks, I'm sure no-one would like us to have to go backwards again.

So did the vaccine cause me any woe?

Full disclosure, there were some minor side effects, as warned. They vary for everyone and you may get some, all or none. I had a sleepless night and a dull ache in my arm, gone in a day or two.

But if that's the worst things ever get, I'll take it any day. And so should you.