Vax hub’s opening hours get extended

VACCINE efforts are being supercharged in Cairns with the first vaccination hub’s opening hours to be extended to six days a week.

The hub will open every day except Mondays from Tuesday.

Authorities are hoping to ramp up efforts to get Cairns vaccinated before the wet season.

CHHHS Covid vaccine program director Kelly Pollock said it was crucial for people to be vaccinated before the season started.

“There’s so much to love about life in Queensland; and the Covid vaccine is the best way to protect everyone and everything we hold dear,” Ms Pollock said.

The Pfizer vaccine is even more accessible now, with anyone over the age of 12, including people over 60, eligible.

CHHHS executive director of the Covid vaccination program Don Mackie said the hub had already been successful, with 3707 doses being administered last weekend.

“With the statewide change in eligibility criteria for the Pfizer vaccine, this means we can provide the vaccine at the Cairns Convention Centre to even more people,” Dr Mackie said.

Supercharging efforts begin with the Supervax weekend allowing anyone over the age of 12 able to walk in and get vaccinated. Cairns South Health Facility, JCU Smithfield Vaccination Clinic, Mossman Hospital, Mareeba Hospital, Atherton Hospital and Innisfail hospital are participating.

The vaccination hub at the Convention Centre will be open from 7am to 3pm, six days a week from Tuesday to October 10.