The first Phase 1b COVID-19 vaccine recipient in Armidale was Sue Barry, who received her Astra Zeneca injection at 10 am on Tuesday in the UNE Medical Centre.
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Mrs Barry said the vaccination didn't hurt at all, and she feels great, although she was slightly reluctant to get it done, to begin with.
"I didn't even feel a needle," Mrs Barry said.
"They had rung me up to make the appointment, and I must admit it did come as a bit of a surprise as I didn't think we would be getting it until later in the year.
"I am not against vaccination, but when it comes to it, you do think ..do I want to?
"But I have a very sane family, and I spoke to my daughter, who said it was only a vaccination and it was up to me, but my lungs are compromised."
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Mrs Barry researched potential side effects with her daughter and said that the biggest rumoured side effect was blood clots, as far as she could see.
"But I've never had any trouble with them, so I went ahead," she said.
"I do think sometimes the press can increase the panic and worry that especially older people can feel, and that is why I was very grateful to have a younger family with adult grandchildren who are a bit more grounded."
Mrs Barry is 78-years-old and said her friends would have the vaccination but admitted that some are worried and nervous.
"My daughter is scientifically minded, and she said there is no proof of any side effects," she said.
"I think the majority of older people should just go with it because that is what science is about - keeping us oldies old," Mrs Barry laughed.
"Even if we have to live with COVID as we live with the flu, we will have something."
Ian and Irene Lockrey are both in their 80s, and the couple were the first to get the AstraZeneca vaccination at the West Armidale Medical Centre on Tuesday.
Mrs Lockrey said she had never been first at anything and was delighted to be the first one to receive her vaccination at her regular clinic.
Asked why she went ahead with the shot, Mrs Lockrey said it was something she didn't think twice about.
"It is the responsible thing to do," she said.
"I'm fighting fit, and it hurt less than getting a flu vaccination. I did not have any doubts or worries about getting it at all."
The Lockrey's were two of 16 patients to receive the vaccine on Tuesday, and the clinic has a busy time ahead of them in the months to come.
As well as administering the initial vaccinations as the rollout continues, all Astra Zeneca vaccine recipients will need a booster shot in 12 weeks.
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