March 13th, 2021Kyneton frontline workers get COVID jab

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. 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,” she said.

Mandy’s vaccine was administered by endorsed enrolled nurse Trish Allen, who also received the Pfizer vaccination, pictured above. 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 rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine in our community.
Central Highlands Rural Health’s CEO Maree Cuddihy said with the delivery of the vaccine to the high-risk frontline healthcare workers, the organisation was one step closer to protecting its communities 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.
“This started 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 was joined by Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health CEO Phillip Ripper, Macedon Ranges Shire Council acting CEO John Nevins and Hepburn Shire Council interim CEO Bradley Thomas, 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 COVID-safe 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.”
Link: www.australia.gov.au

Above, Trish Allen, a nurse at Kyneton Health, was one of the first to receive the Pfizer vaccination. Trish is one of the 60 staff who work in Kyneton Health’s Respiratory Assessment Clinic, Urgent Care Centre and Acute Ward staff to receive the vaccine last Wednesday Below, Kyneton Health nurse Jack Barr receives a COVID vaccine jab
Images: Sandy Scheltema