With a nursing career spanning 43 years, Helen Ryan from North Coast Aboriginal Corporation for Community Health has seen it all. 

Though born and bred on the Sunshine Coast, her job as a Nurse Immuniser has taken her all across the state on a quest to make sure the community can stay safe and healthy. 

That’s why Helen made the choice to get vaccinated against COVID-19. 

“As a nurse I want to be able to give great care and to know that I’m not going to be able to give COVID-19 to someone I’m caring after, when I walk into a household, or go to a community group,” Ms Ryan said. 

“So, I think as a nurse, why I personally had it was to protect myself and, more importantly, protect others.” 

Helen’s vast experience with giving COVID-19 vaccinations means she’s somewhat of an expert when it comes to the safety of the jab. 

She’s even given the jab to one of Queensland’s oldest residents with no problems.  

“I immunised a 107-year-old up at Gordonvale, a fantastic old girl, and I immunised her and her 70-year-old son with no side effects and got them through when everyone else was apprehensive, and she was fabulous,” she said.  

“I think that we need to say that it’s a very safe vaccine, it has been tested, and yes, the testing has been quick, but it’s been thorough.  

“It’s been quick, but it’s still gone through the right hoops.” 

Over her thousands of COVID-19 immunisations, she’s seen a lot of apprehensive people who have questions and Helen wants you to ask those questions so you can get the jab with confidence. 

“A lot of people are apprehensive but once they’ve made that decision, if they’ve got questions before you immunise, you answer the questions competently and give them the right information to go ahead,” she said. 

As the borders begin to reopen, Helen has one message for mob about the coming wave of COVID-19. 

“Well, it’s obvious; if you can, get immunised because once we have everyone from the other states, and then from international borders opening.  

“I just want to protect people and say get vaccinated to protect you and your mob.” 

For more information contact North Coast Aboriginal Corporation for Community Health or to book an appointment visit the Vaccine Clinic Finder.