The Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District (NBMLHD) reached a major COVID-19 milestone this week with the first of its frontline workers receiving their vaccination against the disease.
NBMLHD public health director Dr Victor Carey said the extra layer of protection the vaccine provides along with existing prevention strategies will help to prevent people from getting seriously ill.
"Getting vaccinated is one of the best protections against this virus. It is safe, effective and free and will help us to live our everyday lives more freely," he said.
"The vaccine has been reviewed to meet standards set out by leading medical and regulatory authorities across the world including Australia's own Therapeutic Goods Administration."
COVID-19 vaccination is being rolled out in phases. The first stage of the rollout is for those most at risk including health, aged and disability care workers, aged care residents and hotel quarantine workers.
Among the first staff within NBMLHD to be vaccinated was Dr Kate Cush, Head of the Emergency Department at Blue Mountains Hospital. Dr Cush had been eagerly awaiting the vaccine and hopes that many in her community join her in getting vaccinated.
"I want life to return to normal. This vaccine is one way to ensure we are better protecting ourselves from getting seriously ill from the virus," she said.
For more information, visit COVID-19 vaccination.