By Dominique Tassell
Darling Downs Health ((DDH) will return to Warwick next week to provide doses of the Pfizer vaccine at the Warwick Showgrounds.
The clinic will be set up from Tuesday 21 September to Friday 24 September, operating from 7.30am to 6.30pm, and on Saturday 25 September operating from 7.30am to 1pm.
The clinic will provide second dose vaccinations to people who attended the clinic in August, as well as those who wish to receive their first vaccination.
“People who receive their first dose at this clinic will be required to receive their second dose within three to six weeks at an alternative vaccination provider,” said Jo Shaw, acting Executive Lead for the Darling Downs Health Emergency Operations Centre.
“It is important to receive two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine to ensure the best protection.”
A spokesperson for DDH says while they wouldn’t normally open up for first doses when returning to a location, but have extra doses available and expect with the new age group eligibility there will still be demand.
They stated that with increased availability at GPs from next week, it will be very easy for locals to get a second dose from other sources in the community.
People aged 12 years and above are eligible to attend the clinic, included those aged over 60.
Bookings are preferred and can be made via this website www.vaccinebookings.health.qld.gov.au, however walk-ins will be welcome during clinic hours.
“The best way to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community from Covid-19 is by receiving a vaccination,” Ms Shaw said.
If you plan to attend the clinic, please bring ID, your Medicare card, and a pen.
Recent vaccine clinics have seen approximately 5000 locals get their jab in Warwick and Stanthorpe.
The previous Warwick vaccine clinic, which ran from Tuesday 24 August to Saturday 28 August, provided more than 3400 people with their first doses of Pfizer vaccine.
The Stanthorpe vaccine clinic, held from Tuesday 10 August to Friday 13 August, saw more than 1500 locals get their jab.
Government data shows the Southern Downs had a first dose vaccination rate of 60 per cent as of 6 September, which was fourth highest in the state.
However, for second doses the region has a rate of 36.4 per cent.
In total, Darling Downs Health has administered almost 50,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccines at clinics this year as of 6 September.
At our current rate, the state of Queensland should reach 80 per cent vaccination in November.
Recent targets aim to have 80 per cent of the Australia population, aged above 16, fully vaccinated by December.
We currently have 43 per cent of the population over 16 fully vaccinated, while 35 per cent of all age groups are fully vaccinated.
Australia is currently ranked 33 out of 38 for vaccination rates in the OECD.
