Metro North Hospital and Health Service today commenced the roll out of its COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine from its STARS facility at Herston, starting with its most at-risk frontline staff.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Yvette D’Ath (pictured) said the launch of the Pfizer hub on Brisbane’s northside meant both sides of the city were now online.
“The STARS facility today joins the Gold Coast University Hospital, Cairns Hospital and of course, its neighbour across the river, the Princess Alexandra Hospital,” Ms D’Ath said.
“We have certainly seen a lot of vaccination activity in the last seven days across Queensland, with 2,030 Pfizer doses administered across the State.
“It has been a week of milestones but this is just the beginning for our vaccine journey.”
Queensland Chief Health Officer, Jeannette Young said the vaccination clinic at the STARS facility would be aiming for at least 100 doses delivered in its first day of operation.
“I am thankful for the progress we have made getting here, and the achievements we will continue to make in our journey to recovery,” Dr Young said.
“I am thrilled the vaccine is finally here, and I encourage all Queenslanders to roll up their sleeves when it is their turn in the queue. I know I will be.”
Clinical Nurse Consultant working in the hotel quarantine system, Zuby Daryau was the first person to receive his shot today.
The 27-year-old who is usually based at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in infectious diseases moved into his role to support hotel quarantine infection control requirements in October last year.
“I’ve been eager to get my vaccine and I’m pleased to go first – it’s a fantastic opportunity for us to have a safe workforce,” Mr Daryau said.
“I feel very safe and excited to be the first person receiving it today at STARS here on our Herston campus.”
Director of Infectious Diseases at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Krispin Hajkowicz was one of the first to receive his vaccine today – which is incidentally his birthday – agreeing it was a monumental occasion and there was no better gift he could ask for.
“This is the key step in reducing the risk for our wonderful nurses, wardies, doctors and other staff who have been at the absolute frontline of the pandemic for more than a year,” Dr Hajkowicz said.
“We have lots of PPE and strict protocols in place, but the vaccine is absolutely integral to protecting our community and ending the pandemic – I’m very happy to spend my birthday getting the vaccine.”
Metro North HHS will continue vaccinating those in Phase 1a this week before a broader vaccine roll out commences in the coming weeks.
