COVID-19 vaccine program begins

On Monday 22 February, key workers from Alfred Health’s pharmacy and nursing teams were among the first in the state to be vaccinated. These specially trained teams will go on to vaccinate staff working in Victoria’s hotel quarantine program, beginning with the Health Hotel this week.

The highly complex roll-out has been designed to ensure staff who have the highest risk of contracting COVID-19 are vaccinated first. As a result, teams from The Alfred Intensive Care Unit and Emergency Department will be next on the list for vaccinations this week.

The Alfred pharmacy team received the first shipment of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to their ultra-cold freezer on Sunday. From Monday, the team began working on preparing the syringes for nurses to administer – a role the specialised teams will perform on site in the quarantine hotels.

Director of Pharmacy, Professor Michael Dooley, said his team had been working around the clock to prepare for the arrival of the precious vaccine.

“We’re really happy to be involved with the vaccine program, and to assist in protecting our key frontline workers with the best defence we have against COVID-19,” Professor Dooley said.

“I’ll be very happy to roll my sleeve up when my turn comes.”  

Alfred Health Chief Executive, Professor Andrew Way, said the vaccine was highly anticipated among staff and would offer them an unprecedented level of protection against COVID-19.

“Throughout the pandemic, our staff have continued to support our community – in our hospitals, our clinics, and our screening centres. They’ve also supported aged care and continue to play a vital role in Victoria’s quarantine accommodation program,” Professor Way said.

“The vaccine is an incredible scientific achievement, and one that is sure to give healthcare workers greater confidence as they go about their work in the days and months ahead.”