'Best ever': Dr Nigel Grebert becomes first GP to get a COVID-19 vaccine
The first GP in Australia to be vaccinated against COVID-19 says he is hopeful it will be effective but won’t be letting down his guard.
Dr Nigel Grebert receives a COVID-19 vaccine.
Dr Nigel Grebert was number six on the list to receive an initial dose of Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine, rolling up his sleeve to publicise the start of the national rollout on Sunday.
Other recipients included the Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly.
Although his practice in Sydney was briefly turned into a media circus, Dr Grebert said his experiences will offer a glimpse of what is to come.
His practice is one of 5000 practices that have applied to take part in phase 1B of the rollout, through which some six million patients — mainly older patients and those with chronic diseases — will be targeted.
For Sunday’s media event, the vaccinations were administered by an in-reach team contracted by the Federal Government.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison receives his COVID-19 vaccine
“We were approached last week asking if we wanted to have an event with the Prime Minister and it was a mad scramble in the following three days,” Dr Grebert said.
“I filled out a consent form last week and then on Sunday morning a DHL delivery van came rocking up with some vials of the Pfizer vaccine.
“I was asked again if my answers on the consent form were still the same and next thing I was having the vaccine administered and was taken to a waiting room we had set aside for observation.
“I didn’t want to wince while the cameras were rolling, but it was actually painless to be honest, one of the best vaccinations I have ever had.
“The remaining doses were transported back to a nearby hospital for use in the rest of the rollout and we were told that the used vials were going to be taken off to a museum.”
Read our Therapy Update: A GP guide to SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations
He said the biggest surprise was the speed of the entire process, although to receive his second dose he will need to book an appointment at one of the hospital hubs set up to administer the Pfizer vaccine.
Dr Grebert, who is eligible for phase 1A of the rollout because his practice runs a GP-led respiratory clinic, stressed his vaccination has not changed his own approach to the virus threat.
“I wouldn't be so worried for my own health, but it's still not known how effective the vaccine is at reducing the risk of silently acquiring and spreading the virus,” he said.
“For the sake of others, I don't think I'll let my guard down until everyone who wants the vaccine has had it.”
Some 60,000 people — mostly those working with returned travellers — are expected to be vaccinated by Friday.
22nd February 2021
https://www.ausdoc.com.au/news/best-ever-dr-nigel-grebert-becomes-first-gp-get-covid19-vaccine