This week marks an exciting and important chapter in the fight against COVID-19, with the first vaccinations administered to high-risk frontline staff at Central Highlands Rural Health’s Kyneton campus.
During the initial rollout, 60 frontline staff received the Pfizer vaccine, one of two COVID-19 vaccines to receive Commonwealth regulatory approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration in Australia. The vaccine was administered by the Loddon-Mallee’s mobile vaccination team and was given to staff working in Kyneton Health’s Respiratory Assessment Clinic, Urgent Care Centre and Acute Ward.
Kyneton resident Mandy McGee is an associate nurse unit manager at Kyneton Health and was one of the first frontline workers to receive the vaccine.
“I feel really relieved to be getting the vaccine today. It makes me feel safer around my friends and family and helps me to protect the patients in my care,” she said.
“I’m really looking forward to the future when the vaccine is widely rolled out across everyone in our communities – and a time when I can safely go travelling again!”
Mandy’s vaccine was administered by endorsed enrolled nurse Trish Allen, who also received the Pfizer vaccination. Trish is one of a number of staff at Central Highlands Rural Health to complete the National COVID-19 Vaccination training program to support the roll out of the COVID-19 vaccine in our community.
Central Highlands Rural Health’s CEO Maree Cuddihy said that with the delivery of the vaccine to their high-risk frontline healthcare workers, they were one step closer to protecting the community from COVID-19.
“We are working closely with the Loddon-Mallee and Grampians vaccinations hubs to ensure the vaccination is made available to those most in need of protection first,” Ms Cuddihy said.
“This started today with our frontline healthcare workers and we look forward to the continued rollout of the vaccination to high priority groups across our region in the weeks ahead.”
Ms Cuddihy is joined by Phillip Ripper, CEO of Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health, John Nevins, acting CEO of Macedon Ranges Shire Council, and Bradley Thomas, interim CEO at Hepburn Shire Council, in support of the Australian Government’s rollout of safe and effective vaccines to all Australians.
“As partners in local community and healthcare services across the Macedon Ranges and Hepburn Shire, we are committed to keeping our communities up to date on the vaccination rollout across the region. The COVID-19 vaccines will keep our rural communities safe and protect our way of life,” Ms Cuddihy said.
“Whilst we continue to work with the Government on the rollout of the vaccine in our communities, it’s important we all stay alert and follow COVIDsafe guidelines. Remember to practice good hygiene, keep 1.5 metres distance from others and wear masks when asked. As always, if you have any symptoms associated with COVID, stay at home and get tested.”
For more information on the COVID-19 vaccination, visit australia.gov.au or call the national coronavirus and COVID-19 vaccine helpline 1800 020 080.
