By Dominique Tassell
The recent Darling Downs Health vaccine clinic in Warwick saw over a turnout of over 3000 locals.
A total of 3374 doses were provided overall, with 2756 locals getting their second dose of the Pfizer vaccine at the Warwick Showgrounds, while 618 locals got their first dose.
The clinic ran from Tuesday 21 September to Friday 24 September, seeing an average of 123 people get their first shot every day and 551 get their second shot
Wednesday 22 September was a remarkably good day, with over 1000 locals turning up for their second shot.
Jo Shaw, acting Executive Lead for the Darling Downs Health Emergency Operations Centre, stated that “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”.
“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 had extra doses available and as a new age group had eligibility they expected there would still be demand.
They stated that with increased availability at GPs, it will be very easy for locals to get a second dose from other sources in the community.
People aged 12 years and above were eligible to attend the clinic, included those aged over 60.
“The best way to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community from Covid-19 is by receiving a vaccination,” Ms Shaw said.
Previous vaccine clinics had 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 66 per cent as of 20 September, which was fourth highest in the state.
However, for second doses the region had a rate of 37 per cent.
This number is expected to be quite impacted by the recent clinic.
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.
At the time of print, we currently have almost 54.33 per cent of the population over 16 fully vaccinated, while almost 43.6 per cent of all age groups are fully vaccinated.
Australia is currently ranked 33 out of 38 for vaccination rates in the OECD.
