COVID-19 frontline workers in NSW will start being vaccinated against the virus on Monday.
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Premier Gladys Berejiklian says the Pfizer vaccine will be administered to frontline workers from Monday, with 35,000 people to get the jab in the next three weeks.
"This is a very important development in the fight against COVID. It does mean that we start a new phase, the vaccine rollout does mean a new phase," she told reporters on Wednesday.
Workers include those in quarantine hotels, those screening airport arrivals, health staff, cleaners, police officers and security guards.
All quarantine hotel workers in NSW will be included in the initial 35,000-person rollout of the vaccine. About 6500 staff work in the NSW hotel quarantine system each week.
Ms Berejiklian said the timing of the rollout could help mitigate the risk of a COVID-19 leak from hotel quarantine via a frontline worker.
"This is the first cohort that will be taking place over the next three weeks, and of course we will update the community who will be (receiving) the vaccine beyond that three-week point," she said.
Despite the rollout of the vaccine, coronavirus-related restrictions in NSW won't be changing just yet.
And NSW residents with even the mildest of respiratory symptoms should continue to come forward for testing.
"If anything, we have to be even more vigilant in welcoming about 3000 Australians home every week," Ms Berejiklian said.
It comes as NSW records its 31st consecutive day without a locally-acquired COVID-19 case, as well as four cases in returned travellers in hotel quarantine.
Vaccinations will be given at Westmead, Liverpool and Royal Prince Alfred hospitals in Sydney, with regional hubs to be established as soon as possible.
Australian Associated Press
