The Northern Territory Government has today announced the details for the first stage of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in the Territory.

Phase 1A of the rollout will commence next week, based on the latest advice from the Commonwealth Government.

Phase 1A covers our most at-risk frontline workers, and our most at-risk vulnerable Territorians, according to the expert health advice.

Territorians who will be vaccinated under Phase 1A are:

·       Quarantine workers and border control workers – including police and airport arrival workers;

·       Hospital and health care workers in high-risk environments;

·       Aged care residents and staff; and

·       Disability care residents and staff.

The Northern Territory Government and the Commonwealth Government will have shared responsibility for providing vaccines to different people during Phase 1A.

The Territory Government will deliver the vaccine to quarantine workers, border control workers and high-risk health care workers.

High-risk health care workers include staff working in emergency departments, respiratory wards and clinics, and intensive care units across the Territory, as well as ambulance workers, Careflight and Royal Flying Doctor Service staff, and staff in COVID-19 testing clinics.

The Northern Territory Government will provide vaccinations to approximately 3000 Territorians during Phase 1A. This number does not include the Commonwealth’s contribution for aged care and disability care residents and staff, which is expected to be more than 1500 people.

As part of the rollout for Phase 1A, the first vaccine hub will be established at Royal Darwin Hospital. The Government is also working to establish a second vaccine hub at Alice Springs Hospital in the coming weeks.

The Territory Government will continue to work closely with the Commonwealth Government on the rollout, and will provide further information in the coming days.

To stay up-to-date on the vaccine rollout, please visit: www.coronavirus.nt.gov.au  

Quotes from Chief Minister, Michael Gunner:

“We are starting small, but we are starting, and that’s the important thing. The focus in the early stages is getting the vaccine to the most at-risk, like our incredible frontline workers, as well as vulnerable Territorians.

“Most Territorians will receive their vaccine in the second half of the year. Don’t worry if you’re not one of the first, it just means you have a lower risk, and that’s a good thing.

“You’ll be told when it’s your turn, so don’t worry about missing out. There will be enough vaccinations available for everyone.

“Remember – the vaccine is safe, effective and free. Getting the vaccine when it’s your turn makes us all safer in the long-run.

“The Territory was the safest place in Australia in 2020 because Territorians were the best. As we rollout the vaccine in 2021, we need to keep being the best, and I know we will.”

Quotes from Minister for Health, Natasha Fyles:

“Territorians have done an incredible job in the past year staying safe from COVID-19. As we commence the rollout of the vaccine, we need to keep doing all the things that have kept us safe.

“Because we are so safe, we don’t need to rush the rollout. We will take the time we need to get this right.”

Quotes from Michelle McKay, Lead for the Territory’s COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout:

“The Territory’s vaccine rollout team has been working hard to make sure we are ready for when the first Pfizer allocation arrives – and we will be ready.

“We will continue to work closely with the Commonwealth Government and with local communities as we gradually deliver the vaccine across the Northern Territory in 2021.