Next phase of COVID-19 vaccinations begins

Published 12:18pm 22 March 2021

Woody Point Medical Centre is among the first in the Moreton Bay Region to begin administering Phase 1B COVID-19 vaccines today.

Practice manager Josette says the centre is already booked through to the second week of April.

“It was advertised on a government website and the phones started running red hot – we were even getting calls from non-patients,” Josette says.

She says the team from a local dental group has booked in and the clinic received 80 doses for its first week of vaccinating, with 100 doses expected in future weeks.

Eligibility expands

The launch of Phase 1B follows the rollout of Phase 1A, which began at Redcliffe Hospital 10 days ago.

Health Minister and Redcliffe MP Yvette D’Ath says the clinic was initially aimed at those serving on the pandemic’s frontline, including hotel quarantine and frontline health workers.

Patients eligible for vaccination under Phase 1B include people over 70, other healthcare workers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over 55, younger adults with an underlying medical condition – including those with a disability, and critical and high-risk workers such as defence, police, fire and emergency services and meat processing personnel.

Support from your GP

Petrie MP Luke Howarth says no-one is better placed to support vulnerable people than their own GP.

“The response has been overwhelming from Australia’s primary care sector to support the rollout,” Mr Howarth said.

“This is a clear demonstration of the commitment of the primary care sector to public health and to the communities they serve.”

The COVID-19 vaccination program began on February 21, with almost 40,000 doses administered across Queensland by March 22.

Booking an appointment

Mrs D’Ath says as the COVID-19 vaccine rollout progresses from category 1a to 1b across Queensland, people will receive information about how to book their appointment to get the vaccine jab.

“I encourage everyone in our community who is eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine when their time comes. I know I will,” Mrs D’Ath says.