JOSH BRINE and PETA-MARIE PHILIPPOU
RENMARK’S front-line workers and aged care residents are receiving their first coronavirus vaccine dose today, after a Waikerie doctor became the first person in the region to receive the vaccine on Monday.
Vaccinations are beginning today at the Renmark Paringa District Hospital, with the rollout to continue across the region in the coming days and weeks.
Dr Kellie Mibus, a 39-year-old doctor from the Waikerie Health Service, was first Riverlander in line to get the jab, and said she “absolutely” recommended others follow her lead.
“I’m excited that it’s started and I’m confident they’ve done the testing they need to do and it’ll be fine,” she said.
“I think this gives the community extra insurance that the coronavirus pandemic is getting under control, and eases fears for us about hospital cases in our small community.”
The Pfizer vaccine, which uses cutting-edge mRNA technology, has shown 95 per cent effectiveness in long-term clinical trials, compared to 82 per cent for the AstraZeneca vaccine – the other jab currently approved in Australia, but suspended from use in several countries this week due to unproven claims about associated blood clots.
The Murray Pioneer understands both Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines will be distributed to Riverland providers to meet the region’s needs
Dr Mibus said she was nerve-free before receiving the first dose of the vaccine.
“I trust that the testing has been done well – it’s obviously been used in many countries before us so we’re certainly not the very first ones,” she said.
Nearly 100 frontline workers and aged-care residents received the vaccine on Monday, with several rooms in the hospital set up specifically for COVID-19 vaccine administration.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said the arrival of COVID-19 vaccine in the Riverland continued the “strong progress of the vaccination rollout across the state”
“This vaccine will start to be administered to frontline healthcare workers and aged care residents throughout the Riverland region this week,” he said.
“The Marshall Liberal Government is pleased the vaccine is rolling out broadly across our regions and we are proud of our frontline staff and aged care residents who are rolling up their sleeves at the first chance to receive it.
“Starting vaccinations in the Riverland is the next step in ensuring that this vital vaccine is reaching more of our regional-based healthcare, quarantine and border workers, and aged care residents in state-run facilities before the program then expands to more priority groups and, eventually, all South Australians.”
Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network (RMCLHN) chief executive officer Wayne Champion said staff were excited to receive the vaccine and begin administering it to other frontline healthcare workers across the Riverland.
“Our vaccination workforce, including administrative and support staff, have already completed the required training and induction programs so they are ready to safely provide the vaccine to frontline staff as our clinics continue to open across the RMCLHN,” he said.
“Our staff know how important it is to roll up their sleeves and vaccinate against diseases like COVID-19 to not only protect themselves and their loved ones, but also to increase protection of those most vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19 in our community.
“I’m proud of how the rollout is continuing and know our staff are looking forward to playing their part in getting this safe and effective vaccine out to their peers and the wider community as we move through each phase.”
Chaffey MP Tim Whetstone welcomed the arrival of COVID vaccines to the region
“The vaccines are rolling out in regional South Australia now and the Riverland is part of that early process,” he said.
“It’s good to see our frontline service personnel getting the first of the Pfizer jab, which will be the first of two doses.
“I thank all of our frontline personnel for the great work they are doing, and that’s why they’re getting that jab first.
“They are the most exposed to the risks of COVID-19 and I think rightfully so that they get their vaccines first.”
During phase 1a of the Federal Government rollout, vaccines will be administered to medi-hotel and airport staff, frontline healthcare workers, quarantine and border works, and aged care staff and residents.
For more information about COVID-19 vaccinations, visit www.covidvaccine.sa.gov.au.