Aged care facilities in five Toowoomba suburbs will receive the first doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine next week, as Phase 1a of the nationwide rollout begins.

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt revealed the locations of the first Pfizer vaccine distribution yesterday, with 41 Queensland locations named.

Among them were facilities in Glenvale, Kearneys Spring, South Toowoomba, Toowoomba and Harristown, which will be part of week one of the rollout due to start on February 22.

At this time, the vaccine will be provided to aged and disability care residents and their staff. Frontline health and quarantine workers are also set to be vaccinated in Phase 1a.

According to information provided by the Australian Government, people living and working in residential aged care and disability care settings will be informed on vaccination timings by their care providers.

In the city, news of the vaccine’s imminent arrival has been met with mixed reactions.

In a poll conducted by the Toowoomba Chronicle on Wednesday, 514 people said they would get the vaccine once it arrived in town, while 390 people said no.

Residents discussed their views in the comment section of the post.

“I probably won’t be in any rush to get it, as I’m generally quite healthy anyway. But I’m also not opposed to getting it down the track once others who need it more have had the jab,” Matt Devonshire commented.

“It’s not even a question – if I can get it I will take it. Seen and know of way too many people that have died or lost loved ones to this pandemic,” Edward Thomas said.

“Everyone should be free to choose one way or the other, without coercion or judgment,” Jamie Jae said.

“Yes – anything is better than nothing and I trust the experts who say they have seen the research and all approved vaccines are safe,” Michael Tracey said.

“Nope it is too soon and hasn’t been tested enough for my liking,” Kerry Wilson said.

Originally published as Residents divided as readers voice opinions on COVID-19 vaccine