Roll up, roll up

Healthcare workers in Geraldton started getting the COVID-19 vaccine on Monday, with the WA Country Health Service set to doll out about 200 AstraZeneca shots this week.

Nurse practitioner Dee Brooks was one of the first to sit in Geraldton’s hot seat, with her vaccine administered by nurse Deb Muscio.

“In the emergency department, I provide services to some of the most vulnerable members of the community and I am really grateful that I was able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine to help keep myself, my patients, colleagues, family and friends safe,” Ms Brooks said.

“I have also been deployed with AUSMAT, so it was also important for me to have the vaccine, so I could keep supporting the Australian COVID-19 response.”

Ms Brooks said all adults should get the vaccine when eligible, with information available at the Healthy WA website.

“I felt assured that the vaccine was safe and effective in reducing the spread of infection and preventing symptomatic illness for COVID-19,” she said.

At this stage, the vaccine is going only to certain high-risk healthcare workers as well as port workers who interact with crews. But the WA Country Health Service has plans in place for the program’s next phases.