National Australia Bank brings AstraZeneca jabs into the workplace

The jabs are available to colleagues and household members over 18

National Australia Bank brings AstraZeneca jabs into the workplace

National Australia Bank (NAB) will be bringing vaccines closer to its employees as it has announced that jabs developed by AstraZeneca will become available at the company’s workplaces starting next week

NAB chief executive officer Ross McEwan said the initiative will pilot at its Sydney offices, thanks to the partnership of the company’s vaccine provider and the Department of Health.

“Initially, it will be available to colleagues and their adult household members, starting in some of the hardest-hit local government areas in Sydney,” McEwan was quoted as saying by news.com.au.

“We will expand the programme to offer more vaccines, in more buildings, to more colleagues right across Australia. We’re still working through the details but will make that happen as soon as we can,” he added.

The NAB boss, who has already received his shots, hopes that by introducing the project in New South Wales, it can help the state get out of recently imposed COVID-19 restrictions.

“Everyone’s resilience is being tested and the situation is very difficult, but we will bounce back,” said the executive.

According to McEwan, he also wants to help his colleagues by giving them improved access to vaccines, and in order to help the country reach its vaccine targets.

He is confident that once vaccination targets are reached, widespread lockdowns will not be necessary to stamp out COVID-19.

“We cannot reach these vaccination targets soon enough. The timing depends on all of us, and it was great to read this morning that we’re halfway there; our own economics team says we’re on track for 80% full adult vaccination by mid-November,” McEwan said.

Data from the national government that was cited by news.com.au revealed that 51% of people above 16 had received their first vaccine dose, while 28.9% have been fully vaccinated.