Queensland Health has expanded its COVID-19 vaccination rollout in response to a spike in demand for vaccinations for people aged 40 to 49.
A total of 18 vaccination centres delivered Pfizer vaccinations over the weekend, including at three new dedicated community facilities.
Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Government’s priority must be to vaccinate the key front-line workforce and vulnerable Queenslanders.
“However, we are 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 and residential aged care workers and disability staff,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
Around 15,000 vaccinations were administered over the weekend, with bookings offered to people who had registered their interest the week before.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Yvette D’Ath said Queenslanders aged 50 and over were being encouraged to contact their GP about booking a vaccination.
“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,” Ms D’Ath said.
She said the expanded community rollout would help pave the way for mass vaccination centres operating later in the year, when more supplies became available.
“This vaccination event was a trial to see if it was something we can do regularly in the future,” Ms D’Ath said.
“We need to make sure our processes are working effectively to be able to perform events of this scale,” she said.
“This vaccination weekend has been a great success.”
