Territory frontline health, border entry and quarantine staff have begun to receive their second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are needed for it to ensure the best protection. Territorians receiving their second dose will now be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Since 22 February 2021, NT Health have successfully administered more than 3,700 vaccinations to eligible Territorians as part of Phase 1A.

This cohort includes quarantine and border control workers, and hospital and health care workers in high-risk environments.

The priority this week will be to give the first dose to the remaining Phase 1A health and quarantine staff, including those in Gove and Tennant Creek, and to give the second dose to those vaccinated in week one of the program. 

Across the Territory so far, vaccinations have been carried out in Darwin, Alice Springs, Katherine and Tennant Creek.  

Phase 1B is on track to begin next week.

Quotes from Minister for Health, Natasha Fyles:

“Our hard-working frontline staff will now begin receiving their second COVID-19 vaccine -  which will keep them and our community safe.

“In order to return to what life was like before the pandemic, receiving the vaccine is the way forward.

“It is safe and effective, and it has undergone rigorous testing and approvals to provide protection against COVID-19.

“Most Territorians will be vaccinated by the end of the year.”

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

“The Territory’s COVID-19 vaccination teams have been working tirelessly during Phase 1A to protect our community.

“In the first three weeks, our staff delivered more than 3,400 vaccinations, which is an incredible effort.

"We will continue to do so as we complete Phase 1A and move into 1B to keep the broader community safe.”