What we’re seeing in Europe right now demonstrates the need for urgency when it comes to getting vaccinated.
A fresh COVID wave is currently crashing down on large parts of Europe’s east, where vaccination rates are well below the average of the rest of the continent.
And we now know that in Australia you’re 24 times more likely to be hospitalised due to COVID-19 if you are unvaccinated.
These are different countries and cultures, I know, but there are similarities to the settings we see in Queensland.
In many of our regional areas, our Indigenous communities, and unfortunately in Logan, our vaccination rates continue to lag.
This leaves us at risk to an uncontrolled outbreak of the dangerous Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus.
Our borders will completely reopen on 17 December, that date is set.
To ensure we’re protected against Delta arriving for good, we need to get our vaccination rates to at least 80 per cent double dosed.
There are no issues with supply anymore. There is no shortage of vax hubs. For many of these clinics there are no bookings required – just your photo ID and Medicare card, if you have one.
Put simply, there are no hurdles to getting vaccinated. We just need Queenslanders to continue rolling up their sleeves as we push towards our vaccination targets.
During the weekend just passed you could get vaccinated at a number of Logan schools, at surf clubs up and down our coast, and at some of our most iconic tourism attractions like Sea World and Australia Zoo.
This coming weekend our Bunnings vax hubs are coming back, with jabs and snags readily available at stores across the state.
We’ll also continue to look at new ideas to keep pushing our vaccination rates higher.
If you’re still yet to get vaccinated, please visit health.qld.gov.au/vaccinelocations to find the nearest vax hubs to you, or go to health.gov.au to find the GPs and pharmacies in your neighbourhood administering COVID vaccinations.
Because the COVID vaccine is a lifesaver. It’s our lifeboat to escape this pandemic.
And we don’t want to leave anyone behind. We need every resident in Logan safe on board.
I give my sincere thanks to everyone who has been vaccinated. You’re protecting yourself, your loved ones and our community.
If you’re yet to get your shot, please make today your day.
