IN AN AUSTRALIAN FIRST THE ASTRAZENECA JAB IS DELIVERED IN BARKER

Murray Bridge has been chosen as the first town in Australia to roll out the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, with doses administered to frontline health workers this morning at Murray Bridge Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital.

As part of the Australian Government’s COVID-19 Vaccination Program, people in priority groups who are most at risk and who need protection the most – will receive a vaccine first.

Rural Generalist Dr Caroline Phegan was the first Australian to receive the AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine this morning.

Member for Barker, Tony Pasin, who was present this morning to witness Dr Phegan receiving the vaccine, said the initial priority groups will include aged care and disability care residents and workers, frontline healthcare workers, and quarantine and border workers.

“I was so proud to have witnessed this historic event and prouder still to know that it took place in Barker.” Mr Pasin said.

“Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Australian Government has worked diligently to ensure our nation has access to safe and effective vaccines. Protecting people from serious illness is, and must, be the first priority”.

“As we rollout the COVID-19 vaccines, I will be asking residents in Barker to come forward to be vaccinated to protect our communities from this highly infectious disease.”

“My family and I will take the vaccine as soon as we are permitted to do so in accordance with the rollout schedule. “ Mr Pasin said.

For further information about the vaccine rollout and priority groups visit australia.gov.au

ENDS

Media Contact: Anna Hawkins | 0439 651 016 | anna.hawkins@aph.gov.au