ALMOST every public aged care resident in the Loddon Mallee has now received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, officials have said.
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Bendigo Health board chair Bob Cameron confirmed on Thursday the organsiation was officially just over half way through its phase 1a vaccination program.
He said the organisation had administered just over 2000 vaccines to healthcare workers and aged care residents across the region.
"This is a vast region that spans from Kyneton to Mildura and we have been to all of those nursing homes and vaccinated all of those residents," he said.
"As the vaccine does pick up in pace, we will be getting it into people's arms as soon as possible."
Mr Cameron said there may be a slight delay in the rollout due to a supply issue.
"This was meant to take six weeks and we are already over four weeks into the program, things have been slower than everyone has wanted but nevertheless we have starting to see a pick up," he said.
"Over the next couple of weeks, we are expecting to see 1000 (vaccines administered) each week."
Golden Oaks Complex Carshalton House resident Mary Raymond received the vaccine a few weeks ago and is due for her next dose on Tuesday.
She said it was a "great" pleasure to receive the first dose.
"To me, it was no more uncomfortable than when you prick yourself with a needle," she said.
"I didn't feel it and it is just so important to have it."
Mr Cameron said he wasn't aware of any healthcare workers or residents suffering from adverse reactions due to the vaccine.
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"We haven't had any healthcare workers or residents receive any side effects of the vaccine," he said.
"Apart from they might have a sore arm or the usual type of side effects people might get after having the vaccine but we haven't had any adverse reactions.
"Whenever people get injections people do react different to them slightly but we haven't seen any significant adverse effects and that's because the vaccine is safe and effective."
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Allanah Sciberras
Journalist reporting on crime, local council and general news for daily newspaper, The Bendigo Advertiser. Contact me via allanah.sciberras@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Journalist reporting on crime, local council and general news for daily newspaper, The Bendigo Advertiser. Contact me via allanah.sciberras@austcommunitymedia.com.au
