Western NSW Local Health District to offer AstraZeneca jab to 'all' 7000 staff members

The Daily Liberal understands that it may also vaccinate the public against the deadly coronavirus in the future.

Frontline healthcare workers are eligible for the jab under the first phase called 1a of the national rollout of COVID-19 vaccines.

Phase 1a jabs are being delivered at hospitals with Dubbo Hospital a hub for distribution of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

On March 22 the director of Dubbo Hospital's Emergency Department Dr Dan Stewart received the first jab in the city under phase 1a.

Healthcare workers not involved in the likes of emergency and intensive care are eligible for a jab under the second and 1b phase.

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Phase 1b began in Dubbo on March 22 with four GP practices currently administering the AstraZeneca vaccine to eligible recipients.

This week the Daily Liberal asked the WNSW LHD if it would vaccinate staff eligible under 1b.

"The vaccination program currently operated by the WNSW LHD is targeted only at healthcare workers and other frontline emergency services staff," its spokesman said in response.

"Over the next 12 weeks, WNSW LHD will offer the AstraZeneca vaccine to all eligible staff members.

"There are around 7000 people who work with the WNSW LHD.

"WNSW LHD will have enough AstraZeneca vaccine for all our staff."

Meanwhile, the WNSW LHD has advised of the possible side effects of having a jab.

"Side effects following vaccination such as tiredness, headache, muscle aches and fever are common and expected, and are an indication that the immune system is responding to the vaccine," its spokesman said.

"You can take a normal dose of paracetamol or ibuprofen and rest to help you feel better if you develop symptoms after vaccination.

"As with any vaccine, if you have persistent symptoms that last more than a few days, your symptoms are getting worse, or you are concerned, please talk to your normal health care or vaccination provider."

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