All aged care residents in the Mackay region who chose to receive the COVID-19 vaccine are now fully vaccinated after receiving their second doses.
Supported by Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN), vaccination teams from in-reach Australian Government vaccination workforce providers Healthcare Australia (HCA) and Aspen Medical visited 14 residential aged care facilities in the Mackay region to administer vaccines to residents.
The Mackay region is the first in North Queensland to have fully vaccinated aged care residents, with all participating aged care residents in Townsville and Cairns expected to be fully vaccinated by the end of June.
NQPHN Chief Executive Officer Robin Whyte said the vaccination rollout for aged care residents in Mackay was another important step in protecting older Australians.
“Aged care residents are among the most vulnerable to the impacts of COVID-19, and we need to protect them to the best of our ability throughout this pandemic,” Ms Whyte said.
“The vaccination rollout across the Mackay region was a significant logistical exercise, with the organisation of vaccination teams on the ground in our region, delivering COVID-19 vaccinations with return visits.
“I’d like to praise everyone involved in the success of the rollout, including the vaccine providers and aged care residents and staff who helped contribute to this fantastic achievement.”
David Mallyon-Potter, Clinical and Operational Risk Manager at Sarina Aged Residential Home, said residents and staff at his facility had rolled up their sleeves for the COVID-19 vaccine.
“The discomfort of an injection pales into insignificance when seeing the effects of the infection on TV,” said Mr Mallyon-Potter.
“We all feel safer and can maybe enjoy a few more freedoms now that we are fully vaccinated at Sarina Aged Care.”
NQPHN staff also worked closely with the Australian Government Department of Health and the COVID-19 vaccination team at Mackay Hospital and Health Service to ensure the rollout’s success.
Ms Whyte said all eligible people across Queensland will have their turn to be vaccinated in the coming months, with over 50s now able to get the COVID-19 vaccine at selected General Practices, and over 40s able to register their interest.
“The Australian Government is leading a staged, gradual rollout of the vaccine, with the most vulnerable populations being prioritised for an early vaccination,” added Ms Whyte.
To check your eligibility for a COVID-19 vaccine, visit the COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Checker: (https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility) or if you prefer not to use the online option, you can call the National Coronavirus and COVID-19 Vaccination Helpline on 1800 020 080.