Vaccine rollout for LHD staff begins at Broken Hill Health Service Vaccination Clinic
Far West Local Health District healthcare workers rolled up their sleeves to receive the first jabs of the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine at the Broken Hill Health Service vaccination clinic this morning.
Dr Andre Nel, FWLHD Director Medical Services, was the first staff member to receive the vaccine in Broken Hill.
Dr Nel said it was important for everyone, particularly front-line health service providers, to be able to be vaccinated to protect each other from COVID-19.
'I'm very happy to be receiving the vaccine today. It is another level of protection for myself and my colleagues in the health service, and in my community,' he said.
Staff Health Officer, Donna Gers, administered the first vaccination today.
'As the Staff Health Officer I have eagerly awaited the development, and availability of the COVID-19 vaccine,' said Ms Gers.
'I am happy to participate in the program protecting staff, our families and the community from a virus that has affected millions of people around the world.'
Far West Local Health District, Chief Executive Umit Agis, who also lined up for his vaccination shot, said the clinic opening was a very welcome development in the pandemic response.
'It's very pleasing that today we are providing our first COVID-19 vaccines in the Far West,' said Mr Agis.
'Every staff member and clinician who works in Far West Local Health District will be offered a vaccination.'
Mr Agis reiterated the strong evidence around the efficacy of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to protect against the virus.
Staff will receive two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, given approximately 12 weeks apart.
Vaccination clinics for Far West LHD staff will be delivered in the coming weeks at Wentworth, Balranald, Wilcannia, White Cliffs, Menindee, Ivanhoe and Tibooburra.
NSW is working closely with the Australian Government to implement a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccination program. A COVID-19 vaccine is expected to be available to the general public once the vaccine becomes available through general practice.
For more information about COVID-19 vaccination in NSW, visit the NSW Health website.