Friendships a treasure for immunisation nurses

Immunisation nurses Moon Houston and Margaret Glaubitz have worked together at Maroondah Council for more than 30 years - and been friends for just as long.

Amid International Nurses Day (Wednesday 12 May), their good humour and camaraderie typifies the caring nature of many nurses. Many work at the coalface to keep us healthy, even during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

For Margaret, Moon and long-time colleague Gennine Lamb - although nursing has changed significantly since they began, their value remains just as crucial. They have been working together during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic as essential workers at Council’s Immunisation services.

Council’s immunisation team conduct free immunisation sessions each month for scheduled vaccines under the National Immunisation Program and free flu vaccines for eligible persons at various locations in Maroondah at times that can be booked online.

Maroondah Mayor, Councillor Kylie Spears, said International Nurses Day is a chance to celebrate their contributions.

Each year, International Nurses Day is held on 12 May, the anniversary of nursing trailblazer, Florence Nightingale. The event pays tribute to the many and valued contributions of nurses globally.

In 2021, International Nurses Day seeks to recognise the impact of the global pandemic on the health system and nursing profession. The theme for this year is ‘Nurses: A Voice to Lead’.

For Margaret, Moon and Gennine, 2020 was one of their most challenging years in nursing, and it highlighted the importance of their role.

“But their resilience shone through. It was so important for people to still have access to immunisation services,” Cr Spears said.

In addition to the free immunisation program, Council offers vaccinations against Chickenpox, Hepatitis B, Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (whooping cough) and seasonal influenza 2021 on a user-pays basis.

Bookings can be made via our public immunisations sessions page.