More than 35,000 critical staff in NSW are to be among the first in Australia to receive the COVID-19 vaccine now that the rollout has begun this week (22 February).
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the initial three-week vaccination phase would see all workers within quarantine hotels, those screening arrivals at the airport, health staff, cleaners and NSW Police officers receive the vaccine.
“Health care workers who have the greatest exposure to potential COVID-19 patients will also be included in the first round of jabs, which will be rolled out progressively,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“These workers include COVID-19 clinic workers, emergency department workers, NSW Ambulance clinical workforce including patient transport workers, COVID ward workers, critical care workers including support staff and COVID pathology lab staff,” she said.
Ms Berejiklian said vaccines would be administered in three initial vaccination hubs at Westmead, Liverpool and Royal Prince Alfred Hospitals.
NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant said that while she welcomed the commencement of the vaccine rollout and its focus on quarantine and border workers, people must continue to be vigilant.
“High testing rates give us the best chance of finding new cases in the community, so even after the vaccine rollout starts, it is vital people still get tested,” Dr Chant said.
“Remember to keep coming forward for testing even with the mildest of symptoms, wear a mask on public transport, socially distance and maintain good hygiene,” she said.
Dr Chant said more information would be provided in the coming weeks about further rollouts of both the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines.
