Tess Symes is a Nurse Navigator on secondment to North Coast Aboriginal Corporation for Community Health from the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service.  

Tess is a senior nurse who helps patients with complex needs navigate the health system so be assured that she knows what she’s talking about when she makes this statement. 

“For those of you that are actually scared to go out into the community and get that vaccination, you need to know that it’s for your protection and for your family’s protection,” Ms Symes said. 

“So, if you can, I would recommend highly to go and see your local GP or go and visit your local hospital and health service.  

“Or now you can also visit your chemist and get your immunisation.” 

Tess got her jab at the Nambour Hospital with no side effects worse than a heavy arm. 

And her decision to get vaccinated against COVID-19 was an easy one too. 

“I made the choice to get vaccinated with the Nambour Hospital,” she said. 

“I had the Pfizer vaccine.  

“The reason why I made the choice to get vaccinated is to protect myself, my family, and most importantly our mob that’s in community.” 

While Tess understands mob may be feeling anxious about the jab, she said the borders opening up will be a far greater danger to those who are unvaccinated. 

She has a message to mob in community. 

“Be brave. Be strong.  

“Get you and your family to go out and get vaccinated.  

“As soon as these borders open, which we all know is coming very, very soon, we want to make sure that we have the best protection that we can get.  

“And the only way to do that is to spread the word and get your family and go and get vaccinated.  

“So, if you really, really want to be a hero and look after our mob, go and get the jab.” 

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