Mackay Hospital and Health Service residents will have more opportunities to receive the COVID-19 vaccine with opening of new community vaccination hubs.
Chief Executive Lisa Davies Jones said the first of the new rolling clinics would open in Sarina and Bowen on Monday 20 September.
“Sarina and Bowen are very important location for us to vaccinate our First Nations people as there is a very strong community in both areas,” Ms Davies Jones said.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are being vaccinated at about half the rate as non First Nations people, so it is important that people have the opportunity to vaccinate in their own community,” she said.
Ms Davies Jones said the additional clinics in the Isaac and Whitsunday region would help put more vaccine in the arms of willing residents.
“We know the Mackay HHS community is very willing to vaccinate. We know this because our appointments are filled in advance and we are often unable to meet the demand for walk-ins,” she said.
Sarina residents can be vaccinated at the Sarina Leagues Club for two weeks (Monday to Friday) starting 20 September from 9am to 4.30pm.
Bowen residents can be vaccinated at the Port Denison Sailing Club from 20-25 September from 8.30am to 4pm on and from 8.30am to 12pm on 26 September.
The clinic will then move to Airlie Beach, Proserpine, Collinsville, Calen, Cape Gloucester, Hayman and Hamilton Islands.
Additional clinics will also open in Middlemount, Dysart, Clermont, Nebo, Glenden, Carmila and Finch Hatton.
Bookings are strongly encouraged and anyone who would like to be vaccinated should register their interest at www.vaccinebookings.health.qld.gov.au but walk ins will be accommodated if possible.
Ms Davies Jones welcomed the vaccine expansion.
“They will certainly help us meet our target of vaccinating 80% of the eligible population,” she said.
Ms Davies Jones said it was incredibly important people registered for their vaccine.
“That means when extra appointments are opened up you will receive an email with an invitation to make a booking.
“Early registration helps our vaccine providers plan how much vaccine they need to prepare for each clinic and it also helps with the flow of people and makes them run as efficiently as possible.”
