Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan says people in priority groups and who need protection the most from COVID-19 will be among the first to receive a vaccine jab from Monday.

He said the staged approach to the rollout would ensure those who need the most protection get it first.

Mr Conaghan said frontline border and quarantine workers, and people living and working in residential aged and disability care facilities will be the first to receive their vaccines.

“From Monday, some of our most essential workers and vulnerable residents will be vaccinated, with more of our community to follow in the coming weeks and months,” he said.

“The initial priority groups will include aged care and disability care residents and workers, frontline healthcare workers, and quarantine and border workers.

“The rollout will begin with the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, and following the approval by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) on Tuesday, will include the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine from early March.”

Frontline healthcare workers and quarantine and border workers will receive the vaccine through Pfizer hubs run by states and territories. In addition, a Commonwealth led in-reach vaccination workforce will ensure residential aged care and disability care residents and staff receive their vaccines.

“The vaccination program will save and protect lives. Both of our vaccines will prevent serious illness. That is our primary goal,” he added.

Cowper residents are being encouraged to link their myGov and Medicare online services to ensure they can access proof they have had a COVID-19 vaccination.

Linking your myGov and Medicare digital accounts is a simple step you can take right now that will help you and your family be ready for a vaccinated Australia, Mr Conaghan said.

If you already have your Medicare account linked in myGov, make sure you check your contact details are up to date.

Vaccines will be available across additional settings including GP clinic and community pharmacy. The staged rollout of COVID-19 vaccines is guided by Australia’s COVID-19 Vaccine National Rollout Strategy.

Find out more about the rollout and priority groups at: aus.gov.au