ADF personnel encourage others to get vaccinated

Personnel who were among the first ADF members in South Australia to receive the COVID-19 vaccine are encouraging others to get the jab.

CAPTION: Trooper Jack Calcino receives a COVID-19 vaccine from registered nurse Daisy Hwang at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. Photo by Leading Aircraftman Stewart Gould.

The personnel from the Operation COVID-19 Assist Joint Task Group in South Australia were vaccinated at the Royal Adelaide Hospital on March 11.

Sergeant Martin Weller has served on Operation COVID-19 Assist since January 12 supporting South Australia Police (SAPOL) in quarantine compliance monitoring.

He encourages more Defence members to step forward to get vaccinated.

“As officer-in-charge at the Pullman medi-hotel, I have enjoyed working alongside committed SAPOL and Army members. It has been a rewarding experience,” he said.

“When the government offered the opportunity to receive the COVID vaccine, I didn’t hesitate.”

Other personnel echoed that sentiment.

“It is a no-brainer”, Corporal Quinton Jones said, while Lance Corporal Cameron Blanchette said: “Do your research and trust the experts”.

Private Navdeep Pathania said: “It is no different from the flu shot”.

Commander JTG 629.4 – Operation COVID-19 Assist in South Australia Brigadier Graham Goodwin said he welcomed the members’ leadership and commitment to professionalism.

“As frontline workers, it is important they consider their personal safety and that of their families,” Brigadier Goodwin said.

“COVID-safe practices such as social distancing and wearing personal protective equipment are essential, and the vaccination will provide an additional barrier of protection.”

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