Care home chef becomes youngest male in UK to receive COVID vaccine

A 16-year-old care home chef has been told by vaccination centre staff he is one of the youngest males in the country to receive the COVID-19 vaccine so far.

Ryan Bromley, from Farnworth, recently started his new job working weekends at , Standish (part of the Millennium Care Group) as a chef making meals for residents.

Mr Bromley, who turns 17 in April, was completing his induction in the kitchen when he enquired if he could have his vaccine arranged. Mr Bromley booked his vaccine last Monday and attended his appointment on 10 February.

Mr Bromley said: "I got the job in January and started on Monday. When I arrived, they told me I could get the Pfizer vaccine as it is safe for 16-year-olds and over.

“I definitely got a few looks from people in the queue. I think a few of them were wondering why I was there.

“I don’t really like needles, but it only took a second.

“It was while I was there that they told me I was probably the youngest person to get it. We’ve looked into it a bit and have decided I’m probably the youngest male to have had the jab."

Esther Rich, 16, from Muswell Hill, London is also one of the youngest people in the UK to receive their COVID vaccine. She received her first jab at the beginning of February.

Ms Rich has been shielding throughout each lockdown period, as her medical condition makes her more vulnerable to infection as a result of hereditary blood condition spherocytosis which led to the removal of her spleen when she was five.

Kathryn Disley, manager at Windsor House Care Home said: “Ryan Bromley is our newest member of the team.

“Ryan jumped at the chance, especially now he is working with vulnerable adults, he totally understands the importance of keeping the older generation safe.

“This is so refreshing when teenagers can get some really bad press, we are all for giving the younger generation the opportunity to experience a positive workplace experience at Windsor House, and Ryan seems to be thoroughly enjoying the experience."

During the week, Mr Bromley spends his time training at military preparation colleges as he wants to join the army.

Ms Disley said: "He tells me he is hoping eventually to be part of the catering core in the army, so this is fantastic experience for him.

“Ryan is very conscientious, he travels by train and bus from Farnworth to Standish in Wigan for his shifts and it was this that initially made me think, if he is willing to travel this far to his place of work at such a young age, then he is well worth taking the time to help and invest in his future.”

Mr Bromley added: “I’m really glad I’ve got the vaccine because I’m really enjoying my job. I like cooking. My next dose is going to be in around 21 days.”

Mr Bromley has already made plans to make pancakes for the residents on Shrove Tuesday and on Valentine's Day, he made home-made cakes and chocolate-covered strawberries to treat all the residents at the home.

“We are lucky to have such a good-natured young person in our care home, I can only hope it is the start of an exciting journey for him with our Windsor House Family,” says Ms Disley.