Released 22/02/2021
A Canberra Health Services nurse was the first person to receive a COVID-19 vaccination in the ACT today.
Fifty COVID-19 frontline workers received the Pfizer BioNtech vaccination today as the ACT begins phase 1a of the vaccination program.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said today was a very exciting day for all Canberrans, as we take another step towards protecting our community from COVID-19.
“The first people to be vaccinated are those who have been working on the frontline throughout the pandemic.
“These are the Canberrans who prepared our health system for a potential surge in cases, who have worked in our testing clinics and have helped to manage hundreds of returned travellers in hotel quarantine.
“Our frontline healthcare workers have conducted more than 168,000 tests during COVID-19 and now they will be helping to vaccinate our community as the rollout continues,” said Minister Stephen-Smith.
The Pfizer vaccinations are being administered at the COVID-19 Surge Centre, a purpose-built facility with the best infection measures and controls in place.
It expected 1000 people will receive their first Pfizer vaccination this week, with more workers to be vaccinated as supply becomes available.
“The COVID-19 vaccination program is one of the biggest logistical challenges our public health system has ever faced.
“Today is a milestone day for the ACT. There has been a lot of planning and preparation to get us to this point.
“On behalf of the ACT Government and entire ACT community, I thank every single person across Canberra Health Services and ACT Health for their commitment and hard work in community safe,” said Minister Stephen-Smith.
- Statement ends -
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases