First dose numbers slowing

HEALTH authorities across regional Queensland are urging anyone eligible for a Covid-19 vaccination to roll up their sleeves as first dose numbers begin to slow.

South West Hospital and Health Service Covid vaccination co-ordinator Robyn Brumpton said while the region recently hit the 41 per cent full vaccinated mark, first dose rates were slowing.

“Once people have had their first dose, they are flocking in for their second dose, so our fully

vaccinated proportion is growing strongly,’’ she said.

“Our first dose rates are slowing down. What that means is that, at some point, our fully vaccinated rate will plateau out if more people don’t come in for their first dose to start with.

“Currently, about 41 per cent of the eligible population in the South West region is now fully vaccinated with both doses for a Covid-19 vaccine, while about 54.5 per cent of the eligible population has received at least one dose of vaccine.”

Ms Brumpton said nearly 70 per cent of the over-70s population were now fully vaccinated, and 85 per cent had received at least one dose, while only 23 per cent of people aged 16-39 years were fully vaccinated.

“As we have seen with the NSW outbreak cases, the under 40s have been hit particularly hard, so it’s important this age group is vaccinated,” she said.

Queensland Health data has revealed 47.8 per cent of the population within Darling Downs Health and Hospital Service has received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccination.

Darling Downs City Patrol Group Inspector Paul James said the Covid-19 vaccine was our best line of defence in fighting COVID-19 and was also the best way to protect yourself, your family, your colleagues and your community.