More than 100 Toowoomba residents vaccinated in first day of city rollout

After a week of delays, a Toowoomba aged care facility has received the first doses of the Pfizer vaccine – see what the residents had to say.

PFIZER JAB: Bupa Glenvale manager Susmi John (right) and resident Jane Heron were all smiles during the rollout of the Pfizer vaccine at the facility yesterday. Picture: Nev Madsen

Bupa Aged Care Glenvale has become the city’s first facility to receive the Pfizer vaccine, with more than a hundred residents vaccinated at a morning session yesterday.

After receiving their dose of the COVID-19 vaccine from Sonic Healthcare providers, the senior citizens were treated to a lollipop to celebrate the occasion.

With only days until her 81st birthday, Bupa Glenvale resident Jane Heron said the jab made for a perfect present.

“It was smooth, it was quick and I didn’t feel it at all,” Ms Heron said.

“It’s good to have it and it’s got to be done – I think everyone should do it.

“We’re never going to get rid of it if people don’t take the precautions.”

Select aged care facilities in the city had expected to see the start of the Federal Government’s phase 1a rollout last week, but issues with contracted provider Healthcare Australia saw the program stall across Queensland and New South Wales.

Last week, Health Minister Greg Hunt confirmed that Sonic Healthcare would assist with the rollout.

Bupa Aged Care Glenvale manager Susmi John said there was excitement in the air at the facility yesterday.

“We’ve been very busy for the last few weeks, getting consent and explanation to the families and the residents, so we are excited it happened today,” Ms John said.

Ms John said the vaccinations took place in one of the rooms at the facility, where residents could receive the injections and then be monitored.

“(The vaccine) is very important for the protection of our residents as well as our team,” Ms John said.

“Prevention is better than a cure.”

More Toowoomba aged care facilities are expected to receive the vaccination this week.