Mount Isa residents will start receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine on Monday March 22 as phase 1B rolls out across Queensland.
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Adults aged 70 years and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults over 55, adults with a specified medical condition and high risk workers including health care workers, defence, police, fire, emergency services and meat processing are all eligible to access the COVID-19 vaccine as part of phase 1B.
Mount Isa Medical Centre began administering vaccinations to its health care staff as well as the 80 years and over population with Doctor Michael Mbaogu saying he was excited to receive the vaccine but also provide it to the community.
"Today we are administering to the over 80s and then extending to the 70-79 age range," Dr Mbaogu said.
"We have 200 doses to administer this week and we will be supplied weekly in increments by the government. Next week we should receive 400 doses and that should increase each week depending on the number of doses we administer.
"I have received the vaccine and it doesn't hurt at all. I am very excited about this because COVID-19 for over 12 months has been kicking us down across the globe and now we have a tool to fight back. I am excited to get out there and vaccinate people and I want to urge everyone to come in and get vaccinated when they are called upon so we can get back to normal again."
Dr Mbaogu said they had been inundated with vaccine bookings and enquiries.
"We have been receiving a lot of enquiries about the vaccine, especially over the weekend," he said.
"We were inundated with calls of people trying to get an appointment to get the vaccination. We are taking those calls and booking them in, but we are going in an order defined by the Australian Government.
"For those who have concerns about the vaccine, I have seen the published data and it looks very good, and it is pointing to the fact that the vaccine is safe. It's not only safe, but the vaccine makes you safer against COVID-19. So I would recommend that when you are called upon that everyone comes and gets the vaccine."
Dr Mbaogu said he hoped to have everyone in Mount Isa would receive their first dose by the end of winter.
"The Australian Government's goal is to have everyone vaccinated by the end of October," he said.
"But our goal is to have everyone in Mount Isa receive their first dose before winter. Going into winter the virus thrives in colder conditions and there is increased risk of cold and flu like symptoms, so we want to provide that reassurance to the community."
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Samantha Campbell
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
