Queensland Health says major hospitals in the State are ready to deliver the Pfizer anti-COVID vaccine.
The Department listed Cairns Hospital, Townsville Hospital, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Sunshine Coast University Hospital and Gold Coast University Hospital as the six hubs for the Pfizer vaccine.
Minister for Health, Yvette D’Ath said that using those facilities as bases for the roll-out meant the complex logistics of using the Pfizer vaccine could be managed.
“It has strict limitations on its storage, transport and distribution which make it unsuitable for how we would normally roll out a widespread vaccination campaign,” Ms D’Ath said.
“Queensland will begin this process as soon as we receive the first Pfizer vaccines from the Federal Government.”
Chief Health Officer, Jeannette Young said the first priority group to receive the vaccine included quarantine and border workers, front-line COVID-19 health workers, aged care and disability care staff and aged care and disability care residents.
“When it’s appropriate for you to get a vaccine, I urge you all to do so,” Dr Young said.
“Queensland has fared so well during this pandemic because of the public’s responsiveness. I thank you all.”
She said her Department was ensuring it first protected the people who needed it most.
“These are the people who are most at risk of exposure and severe disease,” Dr Young said.
