'Doncaster nurse saved my life after I went into seizure after Covid jab - but I would still have vaccine again'

Louise Johnson told how she went into a seizure shortly after having her second dose of the vaccine at Thorne Leisure Centre at the weekend.

One of the nurses from the GPs practice she attends, Dunscroft Medical Centre, sprang into action to perform chest compressions because of fears that her breathing had slowed to dangerous levels, and Louise believes that she may have saved her life. The nurse had on duty at the centre.

The 41 year old says she was later taken to Doncaster Royal Infirmary for a precautionary check up before going back to her home in Stainforth.

Mrs Johnson, who is not currently working due to her condition, said she had a history of suffering from non-epileptic seizures due to childhood trauma, and happily sat down to have her injection. But she added after the needle had been taken out of her arm, she started shaking.

She said before she ended up on the floor she had said she did not need an ambulance, but two vehicles and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, which had already been in the area following another unrelated call, attended.

She said she did not come round until she was in the hospital, where her husband told her she had two seizures, one in the vaccination centre, and one in the ambulance.

She added her breathing had fallen to four breaths a minute when it was decided to perform chest compressions to help her breathe.

“I think the nurse who did that saved my life,” she said. “I don’t know if I would still be here without her.”

She said had not been worried about having the injection, which was her second dose.

"I don’t know if the injection caused what happened, but I am still glad that I’ve had it, and I would urge other people to have it too. I think you would have to be crazy not to have the vaccination. Someone may have saved my life after the jab, but the jab may also save my life if it prevents the coronavirus.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Liam Hoden, editor.