The Department of Health says front-line workers at Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service (CHHHS) have been among the first people in regional Queensland to be given the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.
Chief Health Officer, Jeannette Young said the Cairns Hospital vaccination hub was a particularly important step in the State’s COVID-19 recovery.
“I am thrilled for those getting vaccinated, and I will be the first in line to receive my vaccination when it is my turn,” Dr Young said.
“It is truly our best chance at getting Queensland back on track.”
Executive Director, Medical Services at the CHHHS, Don Mackie (pictured) said the plan was to vaccinate up to 100 people a day.
“These workers are the ones most at risk of exposure to COVID-19 in their day-to-day jobs, so it is critical we vaccinate them first,” Dr Mackie said.
Infectious Disease Physician at Cairns Hospital, Simon Smith received the first injection at the hospital.
“My colleagues and I have been treating the majority of COVID-19 patients over the last year and to see this vaccine arrive is a remarkable achievement for science,” Dr Smith said.
“To think that within one year we have multiple safe and effective vaccines available in Cairns, is an outstanding achievement for everyone involved.”
Among the first cohort of health workers to be vaccinated was Valerie Nancarrow, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Liaison Officer in the COVID-19 ward at Cairns Hospital.
“I am so fortunate to have been offered the vaccine in the very first phase,” Ms Nancarrow said.
“Getting vaccinated means I am doing the right thing for me, and for Queensland.”
Tania Cahill was another front-line worker who welcomed the COVID-19 vaccine.
“As a registered nurse in the border screening team we are placed at increased risk for COVID-19,” Ms Cahill said.
“By staying healthy and preventing any acute respiratory syndrome, I can continue to support the health service and care for our community. I encourage everyone to embrace the opportunity for COVID-19 vaccination,” she said.
