Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy has got her first jab of the Covid-19 vaccine and says she feels "perfectly fine".
Dame Patsy Reddy. Photo: Dom Thomas
She and her husband Sir David Rendel Kingston Gascoigne got the vaccine as being part of the over 65s category.
"I am feeling perfectly fine. In fact, a little bit surprised because I didn't even feel a prick as the needle entered my arm. But I'm very, very delighted that I've been able to get vaccinated today.
"David and I have both been vaccinated in the over 65s category, but isn't it wonderful? A marvel of modern science that with such a dreadful disease spreading across the world we've already got this vaccine that will keep us safe."
Dame Patsy said getting vaccinated put her in a better position to keep others safe as she travelled often and met many people.
"So I do encourage others because, you know, we won't be safe until we're all vaccinated. And the more people that agree to have the vaccination the better off we'll be and the sooner we'll be back to what approaches a normal life."
She said it was not too different from getting the flu jab.
"Really lovely [experience], I mean the people here are so kind and very thoughtful. And obviously the nurse, Jamie, who vaccinated me was extremely skilled. So I think they're taking good care of us and making sure that we stay around just to ensure that we don't have any kind of reactions. I'd say it's very similar to having a flu vaccine, and we've done that every year for as long as I can remember ... so very similar."