22/02/2022
One year ago today, Western Health nurse Laloma Carstens became the first person to be vaccinated by the West Metro COVID-19 Vaccination team – on day one of Victoria's state-run vaccination program.
She rolled up her sleeve at Melbourne Airport, which was the first of many vaccination hubs operated by Western Health since 22 February 2021.
But Laloma's role in our vaccination program extends far beyond her noteworthy spot in the queue.
Over the past year, Laloma has been a leader at four of our major vaccination hubs. She has worked as an associate nurse unit manager at Melbourne Airport, Sunshine Hospital and Melbourne Showgrounds, and is currently nurse unit manager at the Melton vaccination hub.
"Being the first person to receive the jab at Tullamarine was a very proud moment for me, as well as a huge relief in knowing this is not only for my safety but for the safety of others as well," Laloma says.
"To be involved in the vaccination program from the beginning till now, and to be a nurse unit manager of the Melton vaccination hub, has been one of the most rewarding jobs I've done.
"It has come with its fair share of challenges but nothing that could not be handled. This has truly been an amazing journey in my professional career."
Over the past year, the West Metro COVID-19 Vaccination Program has administered 1.27m COVID-19 vaccine doses.
The massive campaign has also included the running of hubs at Wyndham Eagle Stadium, Werribee Mercy, St Vincent's Private Hospital Werribee, and the 'Parkville precinct' based at Royal Melbourne Hospital; a series of 'pop ups' at local schools and community centres; various outreach services; partnering with community health services IPC Health and Co-Health; as well as inpatient services at Western Health hospitals and staff vaccination programs.
