Coast vaccine numbers revealed as Pfizer shortage slows rollout

A LACK of Pfizer on the Gold Coast is frustrating GPS who say they’re ready to “crack on” with vaccinating residents keen to protect themselves.

The latest data shows 29.7 per cent of eligible residents over 15 in the Gold Coast local government area are fully vaccinated and 46 per cent have had one dose.

The Glitter Strip is falling behind areas such as the Sunshine Coast (35 per cent fully vaccinated), Fraser Coast (35.4 per cent), Cairns (34.5 per cent) and Brisbane (34.8 per cent).

But General Practice Gold Coast board chair Dr Kat Mclean said thousands of doses of vaccine were being administered by GPS across the Gold Coast and Tweed.

“Gold Coast residents are looking to what’s happening in NSW and clinics are fielding lots of inquiries from parents keen to get their children immunised,” she said.

“Challenge is still supply, it would be great to see the Gold Coast receive more doses.

“GPS are keen to crack on with it. Additional funding and support for after hours and weekend clinics would also add in another boost.”

Robina GP Lisa Beecham said as a border town it was inevitable the Delta strain would enter the Gold Coast, and urged everyone to register to get their vaccination.

Parents with children aged 12 and older can register from September 13, but she warned receptionists “are really slammed with phone calls, so be patient and kind”.

This week Gold Coast Public Health Unit medical director Dr Andre Wattiaux said to date state and federal governments had administered 240,000 vaccines on the Gold Coast. He said the Broadbeach Covid-19 Vaccination Centre had doubled the amount of Pfizer vaccines it had administered in the past week thanks to an increase in supply, but more doses were still needed.

The centre has extended its hours and is open 7am-6.30pm until September 5.

From the 6th it will be open from 7am-9pm Monday through Sunday.