Phase 1B of the Covid-19 vaccination program for older people in the community will be rolled out to eligible GP clinics this week.
The program is being managed by the federal government, and will immediately apply to people aged over 70 who have medical conditions.
According to the rollout, from this week, people will be able to book an appointment with approved GP clinics.
However there is some concern that not all clinics who have government approval will have either the supply or the know-how to complete the task straight away. This could take up to two weeks to ensure training is completed and supplies are in order, some clinics are saying.
Regardless, Member for Forde Bert van Manen says this component of the rollout is an important milestone.
“Being able to receive a vaccine from a local GP in a familiar environment will make it much easier for people to access it,” he said.
The government’s health.gov.au has a “vaccine checker” allowing people to check their eligibility.
If eligible, they can view vaccination clinics and book an appointment online or via phone. If they are not yet eligible, they will be able to register interest so they can be notified when they are able to book.
Mr van Manen conceded that in the early stages of Phase 1b, general practice start dates will be staggered and dosage allocation will be dependent on vaccine availability.
“This controlled and sequenced commencement process ensures an efficient and equitable distribution of vaccines across the country and ensures that as many individuals as possible within the 1b cohort are able to receive the vaccine from their own doctor,” he said.
“I hope everyone will access the vaccine once they are eligible. We’ve been on this pandemic journey for a year now and the vaccination program is the key to putting it well and truly behind us.”
Locally-approved clinics include:
Main Street Medical & Dental Centre, Beenleigh
Eagleby Family Practice and Skin Cancer Clinic
Mt Warren Park Medical Centre
Bethania Surgery
Shailer Park Medical Centre
Myhealth Yarrabilba Medical Centre
Doctors @ Regents Park
Jimboomba Junction Family Practice & Skin Cancer Clinic
Smith Brothers Medical Clinic, Woodridge
Logan Respiratory Clinic, Slacks Creek
Woodridge Respiratory Clinic
Kuraby Station Surgery
