A Logan Hospital Covid vaccine clinic opened today.
The first staff at Logan Hospital received the AstraZeneca vaccination as part of the plan to protect the healthcare workers who have been working at the front line of Covid-19.
Nurse Nellie Phillips was the first at the hospital to receive the AstraZeneca vaccination. She has played a lead role at the Covid-19 screening clinic.
There are six vaccine clinics already open in Queensland. Logan is the seventh.
Queensland has been criticised in some circles for being too slow to rollout the vaccine.
But Member for Woodridge and state treasurer Cameron Dick said the move to open a clinic in Logan was part of Phase 1a, prioritising frontline health workers and hotel quarantine staff.
“This is fantastic news for our community and will safeguard the health of our frontline heroes,” Mr Dick said.
“If they’re vaccinated they’re best protected, and that means they can help more people in the fight against COVID-19.
“The opening of the vaccination centre at Logan Hospital is contingent to supply from the federal government, but it’s expected we’ll receive the AstraZeneca vaccine over the weekend.”
Bundaberg would also open a clinic next week.
People who are eligible for the current phase of vaccines will be contacted directly. The vaccination centre won’t yet be taking appointments.
The first supplies of AstraZeneca are expected over the weekend – a vaccine which is easier to store, move and share.
“So we can bring more hubs online much faster,” Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said.
Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said she was thrilled to be welcoming AstraZeneca to Queensland shortly.
“I feel like I am constantly getting better and better news as the days go on,” Dr Young said.
“The AstraZeneca vaccine is a game changer for us here in Queensland. I don’t want anyone to have any reservations about getting a certain vaccine or preferring one over the other.
“They both work. They are very effective and safe. They have both been reviewed and approved by the TGA. I would be happy to get either.
“We expect it will take us another four to five weeks to vaccinate the remaining Queenslanders in the Priority 1a cohort, then we can start to look to 1b.”
The Australian Government continues to be responsible for selecting, buying and regulating the COVID-19 vaccines. They are also in charge of delivering the vaccine to aged care residents and workers, and disability care residents and workers in the first priority group.
As we begin vaccinating the general population, the Australian Government will also deliver the vaccine to pharmacies and GPs across the state.
The Queensland Government is responsible for administering the vaccine at selected state-run clinics, such as public hospitals, nominated to deliver COVID-19 vaccinations.
