Jen Ives has become the first Tasmanian health worker to receive Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine.
Ms Ives works on the Royal Hobart Hospital's respiratory and infectious disease ward and said she felt privileged to be the first healthcare worker to receive the vaccine.
"It was a long 12 months coming so I'm really grateful," she said.
"It's super important for me to get this vaccine to not only protect myself but to be able to continue delivery of care to Tasmanians."
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Ms Ives said she would encourage anyone to get the vaccine.
"This is about keeping you and your family safe, including the wider community," she said.
Health Minister Sarah Courtney said 1000 vaccinations would be delivered over the next few days at the Royal Hobart Hospital.
"As we start receiving more Pfizer vaccinations, we'll be able to expand to the Launceston General Hospital and the North West Regional Hospital in mid-March," she said.
Health Department secretary Kathrine Morgan-Wicks said it was an emotional day for health workers after the past 12 months.
"I don't think anyone would have predicted that we would actually be here so quickly today in terms of the vaccine," she said.
The vaccine was rolled out to aged care residents in the North and North-West on Monday.
Political reporter for Australian Community Media, based in Hobart.
Political reporter for Australian Community Media, based in Hobart.
