More access to vaccinations in the Far North with hub at Cairns Convention Centre & new pop up clinics

COVID-19 vaccinations are returning to the Cairns Convention Centre from Thursday, alongside a new pop-up clinic appearing at the Far North’s largest shopping centre.

“We need Far North Queenslanders to get vaccinated,” the Premier said.

“This week we released our roadmap to reopening and we don’t want Far North Queenslanders to get left behind.

“This is a critical time, we can’t keep delta out forever and with the borders reopening in December, we need everyone to get vaccinated now to make sure they are fully protected when they do open.”

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D’Ath said that the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service would be reopening its popular mass vaccination hub at the Cairns Convention Centre, 7 days a week, commencing on Thursday, October 21.

“Make it your priority to come forward and get vaccinated if you haven’t already,” said Minister D’Ath.

“It’s really important that you get vaccinated before our wet season arrives, and to help lift our statewide vaccination rate before the borders open.”

The vaccination hub will be repositioned at the Convention Centre so the centre can continue to host events, such as upcoming Cairns Taipans basketball matches.

A total 16,152 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine were administered at the clinic between early-September and 10 October.

Minister D’Ath said that in addition to the Convention Centre, a new pop-up clinic at Cairns Central Shopping Centre would be held on Saturday 23 October from 8am-2pm.

“Cairns Central is the largest shopping centre in the region, so in the lead up to the holiday period, it makes sense to provide a place where people can get a COVID-19 jab while they do their early Christmas shopping,” said Minister D’Ath.

“At this time of the year, when the mercury is pushing more than 30C, it’s also great to be able to do all this in air-conditioned comfort.”

Member for Cairns Michael Healy said that vaccination efforts in the Far North had been targeted to where locals live, work and play.

“This weekend, there is a pop-up clinic provided by the Commonwealth at the Grass Is Greener music festival; and there will be another one at the Tablelands Folk Festival in Yungaburra,” he said.

“On top of that, you can always visit the Queensland Health hubs at Smithfield (JCU) or the Cairns South Health Facility, or speak with your local GP or community pharmacy – there are plenty of options to get vaccinated now.

“The more people vaccinated in our region, the sooner we can get back to normal.”

The Cairns Convention Centre will be open 8am until 3.30pm every day except Thursday, where it will be open longer on Thursday until 7.30pm to accommodate late night shoppers.

ENDS

This Statement was amended on 20 October, 2021.