At 105, Tasmania's Jean Hutton has become possibly the oldest Australian to get the AstraZeneca vaccination.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Mrs Hutton rolled up her sleeve at the Health Department community clinic at Rosny, in Hobart, on Wednesday to receive her first dose.
Having survived the 1918 Spanish Flu, she said the best thing she could do during this pandemic was to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
"I feel it is the right thing to do for the community," Mrs Hutton said.
"I get a lot of visitors in my home and the vaccination will help keep everybody safe."
The third-generation Tasmanian lives independently in Hobart where she's been most of her life, apart from some time on Bruny Island.
Daughter Lynne Pope said her mum had embraced and coped with change all her life.
This included getting her very first heat pump this winter, having chopped all her own firewood until this year - despite living with deteriorating vision.
"I'm surprised she's still got 10 fingers," Ms Pope said.
Mrs Hutton was born a twin, but sadly her birth-sister died at nine months.
Her timber-mill working father lived to the age of 89 year and her mother to 93 years.
Health Department deputy secretary Dale Webster congratulated Mrs Hutton for rolling up her sleeve to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
"Mrs Hutton has set the example for every one of us to follow and get vaccinated," he said.
"If she can do it, then everyone else who is eligible for a vaccine can do it too.
"Without doubt Mrs Hutton is a very special Tasmanian, and I'm pleased she's getting vaccinated, not just for herself but to help protect her family and friends.
"Her actions her today are to be commended."
As of June 22, more than 154,600 Tasmanians had received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 40,728 the second dose.
It means more than 195,400 vaccinations have been administered in total.
Jessica Willard
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
