WA Health is to establish a pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinic at Perth Airport next month, offering fly-in-fly-out workers the chance to protect themselves from the virus.
The Department said the trial would initially involve Rio Tinto workers at the clinic, operating three days a week during a six-week trial, starting next month.
It said the trial would also be expanded to mining locations in the Pilbara for both workers and community members.
Minister for Health, Roger Cook said the Department was also involved in discussions with other major miners, including BHP and Fortescue Metals Group.
“WA Health will provide clinical support for the Perth Airport trial vaccination clinic, while mining companies will provide logistical resources, staff and communications to encourage high vaccination uptake among the workforce,” Mr Cook said.
“Following the six-week trial, an evaluation will be completed to assess its effectiveness and whether the concept should be extended to further companies and locations.”
He said this collaboration with the resources industry built on recent initiatives to increase the State’s vaccination rate.
“Western Australia’s resources sector leaders are extremely keen to do the right thing and ensure their substantial labour force gets vaccinated as soon as possible,” Mr Cook said.
“Our resources sector is the driver of the economy and it is vital that we keep workers safe and sites operating through this pandemic,” he said.
Mr Cook said keeping resources sector workers safe, so they in turn could keep their workmates, families and communities safe, was a very positive move.