When Sarah Doran launched Tasmania Vaccine Solutions, she was stepping up to fix a problem. A big one. Vaccination access across Tasmania was patchy at best, and for many rural communities, long waits or long drives were the norm.

So Sarah rolled up her sleeves, packed her car, and built a business that brings jabs, humour and heart to workplaces, farms and schools across the state.

From flu clinics to mobile Q fever vaccinations and a slick one-stop-shop for student health clearances, Sarah’s nurse-led operation is what happens when you combine clinical skill with an entrepreneurial spirit. And yes, she does it all while raising her daughter solo, juggling nursing shifts and somehow still finding time to handwrite thank-you notes.

“I built this business from the ground up with no roadmap, no funding, and no guarantees. Just a bold vision, relentless determination, and a belief that regional communities deserve better access to care,”  Sarah tells Business Builders.

Sarah’s vaccination service takes her far and wide. Image supplied

Tasmania Vaccine Solutions filling the health gap

The aha moment came when Sarah realised something glaring: Tasmania was relying on mainland fly-in, fly-out vaccine providers who didn’t know the lay of the land, or the communities.

“We needed a vaccination service that was reliable, local, and flexible,” she says.

At the time, there wasn’t a single Q fever provider on the North West Coast who could see people in under six weeks. Something that was a major issue for agricultural and meat industry workers, reliant on the vaccination.  So Sarah decided to build the solution herself: Tasmania’s only nurse-led mobile Q fever service.

“Since April, I’ve vaccinated 52 people – and counting,” says Sarah.”Tasmania doesn’t need to be an afterthought. We deserve services that understand the land, the people, and the urgency.”

Meat and agricultural workers weren’t the only sector suffering from a lack of access to vaccine services. Sarah also saw how challenging it was for health students to become placement-ready, so she created a streamlined program that consolidates immunisations, serology, and documentation in one visit. It’s fast, local and designed with empathy, just like the rest of her work.

Challenges on the road

Running a business in regional Tasmania isn’t easy. Sarah’s had to get savvy with systems.

“Add to that the juggle of finding workspace, navigating clunky admin systems, managing long travel times, and doing it all as a one-woman show (plus a child and two pets!), and you’ve got a recipe for burnout – unless you get clever.”

So, she got clever.

By using tools like Snapforms and Calendly to streamline consent and education, and Halaxy to manage bookings, Sarah has created a mobile service that runs like clockwork, even from the boot of her car.

But tech hasn’t replaced the human touch. Sarah still follows up with clients personally, stays connected through social media, and throws in the occasional lollipop to keep things light.

Service with a smile and a lollipop! Image supplied.

The joy of small town nursing

So, what appeals to her most about running her regional business? “Hands down – it’s the people,” she says, “Tassie folk are loyal, down-to-earth, and fiercely supportive. I feel incredibly grateful to have become part of the community through this work.”

She might vaccinate someone on a remote farm on Tuesday, then bump into them at the local markets on Saturday. That kind of connection, where you’re not just the nurse, but the neighbour, is what fuels Sarah’s mission.

Big impact, small footprint

In her first year of business, Sarah hit the ground running. She delivered flu clinics to 15 workplaces across Tasmania, launched the state’s only mobile Q fever service, and built a one-stop immunisation clearance program for health students—cutting through the usual red tape and delays with good old-fashioned know-how and a touch of nurse-led brilliance

And she’s done it all solo, from building digital systems to handling bookings, creating educational resources and literally driving across the state to deliver vaccines.

“What’s made the difference is community,” she says. “I’ve joined a local business networking group and the Launceston Chamber of Commerce, and the support from other small business owners has been genuinely heartwarming.”

Building a future for rural health

Sarah’s next big move? Becoming a nurse practitioner.

“I’m currently applying to universities to become a nurse practitioner, which will allow me to expand my clinical scope and deliver more advanced, hands-on care directly to the communities that need it most.”

She’s also expanding her student pre-placement program and preparing for the 2026 flu season, with plans to bring on more local nurses to grow the business and offer flexible, meaningful work.

“One of my biggest goals is to employ local nurses to create flexible, rewarding roles that allow other

Tasmanian nurses to do meaningful community-based work.”

Workplace vaccinations are all in a day’s work. Image supplied

A regional hero with a big heart

Sarah is a proud Regional Heroes finalist, and for her, the recognition means the world.

“To be recognised as a Regional Heroes finalist is more than just a nod of approval; it’s validation. It proves that the work we do matters. That creating a space for conversation, supporting local clubs, telling stories, and restoring a piece of history has real impact.”

Her advice for others starting a regional business?

“Start small but think big. Solve real problems in your community. Don’t wait for everything to be perfect. Take messy action, learn as you go, and refine along the way. Progress beats perfection every time.”

And most importantly? “Be real, show up, follow through, and find the people who cheer you on. The road can feel lonely at times, but you don’t have to walk it alone.”

Want to find out more about Sarah? Head to Tasmania Vaccine Solutions or follow her on Facebook and Insta @tasmaniavaccinesolutions

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