There’s lots of talk about COVID-19 vaccines lately, and it is great news that they are getting close!
Lots of information can be confusing, and it changes fast. We can help.
Vaccinations used in Australia have to be approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), who tells the government that they are safe and effective.
Decisions have now been made about two safe and effective vaccine and there is another still waiting approval. Congress is talking with government to make sure that our communities are cared for in the best possible way.
We have also worked out the best ways to get the vaccine to you when it is available, whether you live in town or a remote community.
Phase 1A of the rollout is now starting in the Territory in Darwin and will be in Alice Springs in a few weeks. This first phase is about protecting the most high-risk workers and most vulnerable people in our community.
They’re the people who are most likely to be exposed to COVID-19 through their work, or the people who are most likely to get severely sick and die from COVID-19. People in Phase 1A will receive the Pfizer vaccine, which will be administered from the hospital in Alice Springs.
Phase 1A includes:
- Quarantine workers and border control workers – including airport arrival workers;
- Hospital and health care workers in high-risk environments;
- Aged care residents and staff; and
- Disability care residents and staff
Aboriginal people over 18 will be in the next group who gets vaccinated, Phase 1B. This will also include other health workers, older and vulnerable people and high-risk workers.
Everyone who is not in Phase 1A will most likely receive the AstraZeneca vaccine. The government just announced that this has been approved by the TGA, which is great news.
We expect that this will be available in April some time.
Want to know more? See Vaccine Questions & Answers or ask at your local clinic.
