As the Covid vaccine rollout began at Lismore Base Hospital vaccination clinic, Intensive Care Registered Nurse, Rachel Benson was the first to receive the vaccine yesterday.

"It is important for everyone able to be vaccinated to protect each other from COVID-19,” Ms Benson said.

“It’s another layer of protection for myself and my family, and my community, so I’m very excited to be receiving the vaccine today."

She is one of many local healthcare workers who rolled up their sleeves yesterday to receive the first jabs of the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine at the Lismore Base Hospital vaccination clinic.

Staff will receive two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, given approximately 12 weeks apart.  

Dr David Stephenson receives vaccination from Janelle Wilson.

Infectious Diseases trainee, Dr David Stephenson, who has worked with patients who have had COVID-19, also received the vaccine today and encouraged others to do the same when it’s made available to the broader community. 

“By getting the vaccine, I’ll have more confidence in treating any future COVID-19 patients we may have,” Dr Stephenson said. 

“When it comes to the community’s turn, I would say ‘roll up your sleeve!’”

Northern NSW Local Health District Chief Executive Wayne Jones said the clinic opening was a fantastic development in the pandemic response. 

Rachel Benson ICU Nurse and Roger Revill, Nurse Immuniser.

“It’s a great milestone today that we’re providing our first COVID-19 vaccines just 366 days after our very first case of COVID-19 in Northern NSW,” Mr Jones said. 

“We are more than excited to be at this point.” 

“Every staff member and clinician who works in Northern NSW Local Health District will be offered a vaccination.” 

Mr Jones reiterated the strong evidence around the efficacy of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine to protect against severe illness and death, which is great news for our communities and for staff working in our health facilities. 

“Every box that needs to be ticked in the development of the vaccine has been ticked,” Mr Jones said. 

“I’ll be stepping up and getting the jab when my number comes up.”

NSW is working closely with the Australian Government to implement a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccination program. 

For more information about COVID-19 vaccination in NSW, visit the NSW Health website.

AstraZeneca vaccine.