Public responds to pop-up clinics

Regional health officials have reported people ‘coming out in the hundreds’ to attend pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics at Nhill, Kaniva and Goroke in the past fortnight.

The vaccination clinics involve a partnership between West Wimmera Health Service and Royal Flying Doctor Service Victoria to provide people aged from 12 to 59 in the region’s west with greater access to the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine.

The clinics also provided an opportunity for people with questions about getting the vaccine to walk in and discuss circumstances with trained immunisers.

West Wimmera Health Service acting chief executive Darren Welsh said vaccination was the most effective way for people to protect themselves against infectious diseases.

“If you haven’t booked your appointment or are waiting for a particular vaccine – do not wait. The best vaccine is the vaccine you can get today,” he said.

Royal Flying Doctor Service has a proud history in connecting people with health care, and that often involves partnering with regional health services to ensure they meet the needs of the community.

Royal Flying Doctor Service Victoria chief executive Scott Chapman said the service aimed to ‘make it easier’ for rural Victorians.

“We know West Wimmera Health Service does an incredible job, but these are obviously very challenging times across the health sector, so to be able to contribute our expertise in mobile care to make it easier for rural Victorians to receive a vital COVID vaccination is very important,” he said.

Mr Welsh said a second round of vaccination clinics would occur this month.

He said people could keep up to date with the pop-up events through regional media and the health service’s Facebook page.