Great-grandfather and resident of Wesley Taylor Narrabeen, John Healy, was the second person in Australia to receive the COVID-19 vaccine today. John spoke with Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Health Minister Greg Hunt and Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly before receiving the Pfizer jab.
“You could barely feel it, but if it means we can get out more, then it will be well worth it,” John said after the Healthcare Australia team had administered the vaccine. Asked about being number two in the country, he said, “We’re making history! I’m not sure why I’m the lucky one, but I’m delighted to be here.”
John is 86 years young and has been married to Rhonda for more than 60 years. He has been a resident at Narrabeen for 19 months, and Rhonda lives in Wesley Mission’s adjacent retirement village. A former Commonwealth Bank manager, John has seen much of Australia but now enjoys a quieter lifestyle among the Norfolk Pines and sea breezes.
“I haven’t been afraid during the pandemic, I have my room and my music, and the staff have taken good care of us all,” said John. “Even when there were cases on the Northern Beaches, I could still speak with my daughter, grandchildren and great-grandsons.”
John has a happy-go-lucky attitude towards life and was unfazed by the cameras and TV crews vying for his attention as he received the vaccine. “It’s just a little prick, and that’s it. No worries!”
John leads the way for all his friends living in residential aged care at Wesley Taylor Narrabeen, who will be able to receive the vaccine this week.
