10 DAYS TO GET JAB
New vax centres open across city in major push
SCHOOLS and TAFEs will host pop-up vaccination clinics across Toowoomba as the region races against the clock to ensure the eligible population is covered before borders reopen. Unvaccinated residents have 10 days to get their first jab before the deadline.
SCHOOLS and TAFEs will host pop-up vaccination clinics across Toowoomba as the region races against the clock to ensure the eligible population is covered when the borders reopen soon.
The region’s 33,000 unvaccinated residents have just 10 days to get their first jab to meet the December 17 reopening date.
More than 75 per cent of locals have had at least one shot as of October 18, while the area is on track to hit the 60 per cent fully vaccinated level.
Toowoomba’s large refugee and migrant population is one of the groups health officials are targeting this week, with a temporary Pfizer clinic established at TAFE Southwest’s campus on Bridge Street in conjunction with Aspen Medical.
TAFE foundation and language skills faculty director Tom Rowe said adult migrants faced language barriers that made it harder for them to get the jab.
“It’s very important to us that our multicultural communities have access to the most current, up to date health advice during this vaccine rollout,” he said.
“Many of our students in the Adult Migrant English program have very limited English language and digital technology skills.
“It is a very daunting process for them, beginning with finding in language information they can rely on, registering online and completing the booking.”
The clinic runs until Friday and will return in mid-November to administer the students’ second doses.
High schools across the Toowoomba region will also host pop-up hubs at the weekend in a bid to curb worrying statewide vaccination rates.
The federally-funded Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN will host clinics at Wilsonton and Oakey State High Schools on Saturday and Sunday from 9am until 5pm.
Queensland Health and Darling Downs Health will host clinics at high schools in Toowoomba, Crows Nest, Murgon, Nanango, Kingaroy, Dalby, Gatton, Tara, Warwick, Stanthorpe and Goondiwindi at the weekend.
School clinics will be open typically from 8am until 2pm, but times could vary based on supplies.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has set a target of December 17 for the borders to be fully reopened, but it could happen sooner if vaccination rates increase.
She said the date was “locked in” for borders to reopen, regardless of whether the state hit 80 per cent.
To find your nearest walkin clinic, Google “getting vaccinated Queensland” to find the map.