AstraZeneca expands vaccine rollout into more Queensland regions

With the first supplies of the AstraZeneca vaccines due to touchdown on Queensland soil soon, more Hospital and Health Services are preparing to launch their vaccination hubs.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D’Ath said the regional vaccination hubs would come online in the coming weeks with AstraZeneca vaccines to continue vaccinating the Phase 1a cohort.

“Another week, another milestone for Queensland’s COVID-19 recovery,” the Minister said.

“The AstraZeneca vaccine is easier to store, move and share, so we can bring more hubs online much faster.

“Pending supply arriving in time, Bundaberg Hospital and Logan Hospital will be ready to commence with AstraZeneca early next week, and I anticipate more will join once assurance checks are complete.”

Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said she was thrilled to be welcoming AstraZeneca to Queensland shortly.

“I feel like I am constantly getting better and better news as the days go on,” Dr Young said.

“The AstraZeneca vaccine is a game changer for us here in Queensland. I don’t want anyone to have any reservations about getting a certain vaccine or preferring one over the other.

“They both work. They are very effective and safe. They have both been reviewed and approved by the TGA. I would be happy to get either.

“We expect it will take us another four to five weeks to vaccinate the remaining Queenslanders in the Priority 1a cohort, then we can start to look to 1b.”

The Australian Government continues to be responsible for selecting, buying and regulating the COVID-19 vaccines. They are also in charge of delivering the vaccine to aged care residents and workers, and disability care residents and workers in the first priority group.

As we begin vaccinating the general population, the Australian Government will also deliver the vaccine to pharmacies and GPs across the state.

The Queensland Government is responsible for administering the vaccine at selected state-run clinics, such as public hospitals, nominated to deliver COVID-19 vaccinations.

Media contact: Martin Philip 0407 675 008