Looming wet new risk with Covid-19

AN URGENT push for Townsville residents to get vaccinated has come as the region prepares for its second wet season under the shadow of Covid-19.

With experts saying the threat of a mass outbreak is likely, Townsville City Council is urging all residents to get vaccinated before it is too late.

With the start of the wet season just weeks away, Local Disaster Management Group chairwoman Mayor Jenny Hill said the race was on to get ready for the wet season, and get vaccinated.

“We need to get … to that 80 per cent vaccinated as quickly as possible so if anything happens, you’re not at risk of Covid during disaster season,” she said.

The Mayor said the biggest risk was at cyclone shelters or evacuation centres.

“The only way we can prevent an outbreak is to get everyone vaccinated,” Cr Hill said.

“We don’t want to put people at risk, we would always look to shelter people, but we can’t guarantee, if there is a Covid-19 outbreak (and) unvaccinated, you’re not at risk.”

Cr Hill said this would be the second wet season under the Covid-19 shadow, but having the vaccine available this year would make a difference.

“The Local Disaster Management Group undertook substantial planning in the lead-up to last year’s wet season on the potential impacts on Covid-19 on a disaster response,” Cr Hill said.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service chief executive Kieran Keyes said there would be a level of assurance if much of the community was vaccinated.

“As a community, we have all experienced the stress that cyclones, storms and flooding can cause,” Mr Keyes said.

“The community does not need another cause for distress in times like this and Covid-19 certainly has the ability to make people worry.”

Mr Keyes said an outbreak would put pressure on the hospital at what would be a very busy time.

This comes as the state government extended the availability of Pfizer vaccines to people aged 60 and over.

From Saturday, the cohort will be able to be vaccinated at the state-run vaccination hubs.

Townsville GP Michael Clements said this also meant GPS would be able to offer Pfizer to patients.

Dr Clements said however people chose to get the vaccine, this was the time to do it.

He said if there had been someone holding out on getting the jab until they were eligible for Pfizer, now was the time to act.

Vaccines are available through GPS, some chemists and at the vaccination hub at 1 Woodman Court.