Massive expansion for Qld vaccination effort

Queensland Health will expand its Covid-19 vaccination rollout this weekend following a massive spike in demand for vaccinations for people aged 40 to 49.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said 18 vaccination centres would deliver Pfizer vaccinations over the weekend, including three new dedicated community facilities.

“We’ve always said we will vaccinate more people as we have more certainty of supply,” the Premier said.

“Our priority had to be vaccinating our key frontline workforce and vulnerable Queenslanders.

“But we’re confident we have enough supply from the Commonwealth to expand vaccinations to the general community, with an initial focus on people aged 40 to 49 who have registered their interest in receiving a vaccination, and residential aged care workers and disability  staff.”

Up to 15,000 vaccinations are expected to be administered over the weekend, with bookings offered to people who have registered their interest since last week.

Three dedicated Community Vaccination Centres will be open at Logan Entertainment Centre, Rocklea Showgrounds and Springfield Tower. Other existing facilities across most parts of the state will be open over the weekend and new community sites will open in coming weeks.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D’Ath said she was proud of the response from Queenslanders so far.

“Last week we asked 40 to 49-year-olds to come forward and register their interest and the response has been overwhelming.

“We’ll be vaccinating many of them this weekend.”

Ms D’Ath said Queenslanders aged 50 and over were being encouraged to contact their GP about booking a vaccination.

“People aged 50 and over are already eligible,” Ms D’Ath said.

“I’ve received my first dose through my GP and I encourage anyone 50 and over to make an appointment to receive their Covid-19 vaccine at an approved GP, GP-led respiratory clinic or Aboriginal Controlled Community Health Service.”

“Queensland has the best GPs in the country and they are doing an amazing job leading vaccination efforts for people 50 and over.”

Ms D’Ath said the expanded community rollout would help pave the way for mass vaccination centres operating later in the year when more supply becomes available.

“This vaccination event will be a trial to see if it is something we can do regularly in the future. We need to make sure our processes are working effectively to be able to perform events of this scale.

“Vaccination is our best chance of beating this pandemic and I encourage eligible Queenslanders to take advantage of this opportunity.”

Queensland Health is not encouraging walk-in visits over the weekend, as priority will be given to people who have already registered their interest.

For more information visit: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/vaccinebookings

ENDS

Media contact: Lucy Collier 0409 461 324