Logan mayor Darren Power was seen mid-last week on television questioning why some people were resisting the Covid vaccination.
On Friday, he was fronting a press conference with the Premier, delighted that numbers had risen by more than 10% in less than two weeks for the first jab.
“Any mayor would have concerns about the health of our residents,” he said, highlighting that Logan’s young average age of 34 was always going to put us behind the rest of the state when it came to vaccination numbers.
Now beaming with optimism, he wants to send out a further challenge.
He wants us to band together to send Logan’s numbers above those of a lagging Gold Coast community.
“Early on, much of our population couldn’t come forward due to their age group,” he said.
“We were coming from behind, but now we have the opportunity to be one of the best performing cities.”
As of Friday, 74.2% of eligible Logan residents had received their first vaccination.
Pop-up clinics continued to operate at the weekend at Bunnings Browns Plains and other venues, asking people to roll up their sleeves.
“Getting supplies from Bunnings this weekend? Still need to be vaccinated? Why don’t you have both?” said a police statement, cuing the Old El Paso taco theme music.
In a statement last week, Logan Hospital’s emergency department director Yolande Weiner said the hospital was ready for whatever comes its way, “but we know vaccination is the key to reducing serious Covid-19 hospital admissions and fatalities.
Dr Weiner said staff from across the hospital were well prepared for the arrival of Covid in the community, but that residents stepping up for a vaccination now could make all the difference.
“We need everyone to remember that whilst we know Covid-19 is coming, we as doctors, nurses, midwives, allied health professionals, admin officers, cleaners and all the other staff who keep our hospitals going, will also need to continue to provide much needed care to non-Covid patients.”
She said a large part of Logan Hospital’s response would involve supporting other Metro South and South East Queensland hospitals to share the load and manage patients requiring care.
Logan Hospital midwifery unit manager Marg Wendt said now was a particularly important time for expectant mothers who were yet to access the vaccination.
“We know pregnant women are at higher risk so it’s incredibly important they are vaccinated to protect themselves and their unborn babies,” she said.
“The vaccine is safe and will help protect mother and baby from becoming critically unwell with Covid-19.”
Ms Wendt said the prospect of babies needing to be cared for away from their mothers who were sick with Covid-19 was devastating, but it was something that could be avoided.
A vaccination van is onsite at Logan Hospital to deliver first or second doses without the need for a booking.”
Lions Club at Sprigwood was offering $10 dining vouchers from last Thursday as a further incentive to get the vaccine.
“If people weren’t convinced by the fact getting vaccinated could keep you out of hospital and save your life, they might be enticed by a $10 voucher that can be used at local clubs,” health minister Yvette D’Ath said.
On Friday, state disaster coordinator deputy commissioner Steve Gollschewski authorised use of the emergency alert system to send health alerts to encourage people to be vaccinated.
He did however, stress that people – due to the critical importance of the number – should not block it on their mobile phones.
