Reluctant Roma residents asked to get on with jab
QUEENSLAND Health has put the call out for more southwest residents over the age of 50 to get the COVID-19 jab as vaccination rates begin to drop in the Roma area.
While the number of eligible people continues to be steady at other health facilities across the region, South West Hospital and Health Service COVID vaccination co-ordinator Robyn Brumpton said more in Roma should be showing up.
“I would like to encourage more Roma residents to take the opportunity to be vaccinated against COVID-19,” Ms Brumpton said.
“The South West Hospital and Health Service currently is offering the AstraZeneca vaccine to anyone across the region who is aged 50 and over.
“We are recording good attendances at all our other vaccination clinics across the region, including our two other major hubs, at Charleville and St George hospitals.
“However, we have noticed numbers dropping off at the Roma Hospital vaccination clinic and we’d like to see more people coming through.”
COVID-19 vaccinations for the public in the South West, including at Roma, are also being delivered privately by GPs and this rollout is being managed by the federal government.
Ms Brumpton said the reason for the drop in numbers could be related to people seeking the jab from smaller health clinics, but urged residents to take advantage of the vaccination centres so society could get back to normal.
“It may be Roma residents are receiving their vaccinations through their GPs, but if not, please come to Roma Hospital to have it,” she said.
“Getting the COVID vaccine means getting back to normal quicker.
“Immunisation not only protects you and your own family, but also others by helping to control serious diseases in our community.
“So, please, if you are a Roma resident aged over 50 and have not yet had your first vaccination, please make an appointment with the clinic at Roma Hospital or see your GP.”
Under current national guidelines, the AstraZeneca vaccine is recommended for people aged 50 and over.
If you are aged from 18 to 50, you can still go ahead with the AstraZeneca vaccination if you wish, with the recommendation you discuss this and your medical history with the immunisation team or your GP in order to make an informed decision.
Queensland Health is currently awaiting advice from the commonwealth on the timeline for the delivery of Pfizer vaccine to the southwest.
“This will allow us to start planning the rollout of the vaccination program to the general population aged under 50 years who have not yet had a first dose of any vaccine,” Ms Brumpton said.
“I’d also like to remind everyone that a two-week gap is required between having the COVAX and any other vaccination, including the seasonal FLUVAX, so please keep that in mind when arranging your vaccinations.”
Visit the federal government’s eligibility website to find a GP near you who has been authorised to deliver the vaccine and to make a booking.
You can also choose to receive the vaccine at Roma Hospital between 9am and 4pm on weekdays; see booking details below.
If you are aged 50 and over and want to book a COVID vaccination through the health service, call 4621 2699, or contact your local health facility.
Check if you are eligible and can book a COVID vaccination at a GP near you at: covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility.
More information on the vaccine is at qld.gov.au/covid19vaccine.
You can also call 134 268 and visit: .qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid19/protectyourself-others/covid-19vaccine.