Testing clinic nurse first in line for COVID-19 vaccine

The first COVID-19 vaccine in Townsville was administered to COVID-19 drive-through assessment clinic registered nurse Rebecca De Jong last week.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service chief executive Kieran Keyes said the first vaccination was a watershed moment.
“The first vaccine signals a critical step in protecting the community from COVID-19,” he said.

"We’ve spent the past 12 months putting health workers on the frontline in our emergency department, COVID-19 isolation ward and at our two drive-through testing clinics and this vaccine offers an essential safeguard for these people.”

Kieran said 189 people were vaccinated on the first day with a total of 1,266 being vaccinated as of yesterday afternoon.

“So far a team of 16 dedicated nurses have come on board with the sole purpose of vaccinating our clinical and frontline workforce and there are more to come,” he said.

“We are well set up to deliver this vaccine to staff in phase 1 of the national rollout and I know that our organisation recognises the importance of having the vaccine.

“We are vaccinating quarantine and border workers and other frontline responders in this phase.”

Rebecca said she was proud to be the first person in Townsville to receive the vaccination.

“I’ve worked in the testing clinics since June last year and I am so relieved the vaccine is here,” she said.

“I was born in the Netherlands and have a lot of family in Europe which has been worrying because it has been much worse there with over one million cases and 15,000 deaths.

“Knowing it has been so bad there has made it hard not being able to go back and see them.

“In Townsville we have been fortunate to have not had significant numbers of COVID-19 but it doesn’t mitigate the importance of being vaccinated.”

Rebecca said she had no hesitation in getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

“Getting the vaccine should be the normal thing to do,” she said.

“I’m exposed to potential COVID-19 cases every day, so even though we wear full PPE I still feel guilty even just going to the grocery store.

“People noticeably take a step away when I tell them where I work so I hope the vaccine will ease a lot of fear.

“Being vaccinated will mean I can’t give the virus to other people which ultimately means a safer workplace and community.”

Check whether you are eligible for the COVID-19 Vaccine

If you are eligible, the website will display a link for you to book your COVID-19 Vaccine.

W: https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility 

General COVID-19 enquiries
If you want to contact someone about COVID-19, including hot spots, border passes, restrictions, testing, vaccination and more, phone the number below.

Ph: 13 42 68

13 HEALTH
13 HEALTH is a confidential phone service that provides health advice to Queenslanders. You can phone and talk to a registered nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the cost of a local call.

Ph: 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84)

COVID-19 Health Information Line
This national 24/7 hotline helps to triage people with respiratory symptoms and
those who are concerned about contact with a possible COVID-19 case.

Ph: 1800 020 080