First Tasmanian given COVID-19 vaccine

The state rollout of the coronavirus vaccine officially began at the Royal Hobart Hospital this morning.

A registered nurse from the Infectious Disease Ward received the first dose at 8am, kicking off the program that will deliver around 1,000 doses this week to Tasmania’s high-priority, front-line population.

“I’m super privileged to be able to be the first today. It was a long 12 months coming. So I’m really thankful,” Jen Ives said.

“This is going to be a benefit to healthcare workers, but also the community at large.”

The first phase of the vaccination program will target people who are at heightened risk of getting COVID-19. These are quarantine and border staff, and specific groups of front-line healthcare workers.

The…