This initiative, carried out between May and November 2023, was funded by NQPHN and conducted in partnership with Gurriny Yealamucka Health Services Aboriginal Corporation (GYHSAC) and supported by the third-party Oceana Vaccination team.
Through this campaign, Yarrabah community members had improved access to COVID-19 vaccinations, with the results of the vaccination drive showing an impressive total of 125 Pfizer doses administered to First Nations people.
This effort also formed part of Gurriny Yealamucka’s wider Young Persons Health and Wellbeing Checks (YPCs), which targeted Indigenous residents aged 15-24.
The collaboration between NQPHN, Gurriny Yealamucka and the Oceana Vaccination team significantly bolstered the community’s capacity to deliver essential COVID vaccines.
NQPHN Chief Executive Officer Sean Rooney praised the initiative.
“The success of this vaccination campaign is a testament to the strong partnership between ourselves, Gurriny Yealamucka, Oceana, and the community of Yarrabah,” he said.
“We are committed to ensuring that all residents, especially our Indigenous communities, have access to the necessary COVID vaccinations to protect their health and wellbeing.”
The Oceana Vaccination team, known for their respectful and culturally appropriate engagement, worked seamlessly with Gurriny Yealamucka staff.
They provided COVID vaccinations at clients’ homes upon request, offered vaccinations to every organisation within Yarrabah, and participated in cohort-specific health check events, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
“With the dedication and hard work of Gurriny and Oceana, we achieved remarkable COVID vaccination rates,” he said.
“This initiative not only improved health outcomes but also strengthened trust within the community.
“These efforts underscore NQPHN’s commitment to enhancing healthcare access and outcomes for Indigenous communities in Northern Queensland.
“By improving health outcomes through vaccination, NQPHN continues to support the health and resilience of the Yarrabah community.”