Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) is collaborating with the region’s vaccinating general practices and pharmacies on the Vaccine Works campaign, which focuses on the primary care sector’s highly successful role in increasing COVID-19 vaccination rates in North Queensland.
Cairns West Medical Centre on Hoare Street has now administered more than 1,000 doses to the local community since coming on board this year as a COVID-19 vaccinating practice.
General Practitioner Dr Peter Vanrietvelde said his practice, which takes bookings and walk-ins, has been administering the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines, with Moderna available soon to the public.
“We provide first and second shots, and now booster shots too, for anyone aged 12 and above,” Dr Vanrietvelde said.
“COVID-19 vaccination is an important program to inject optimism and a way out of the pandemic, allowing us to regain our freedoms.
“Vaccination has also been found to be both safe and effective.”
NQPHN Chief Executive Officer Robin Whyte praised Cairns West Medical Centre, and said the primary care sector is playing a key role in the ever-increasing rate of COVID-19 vaccinations across North Queensland.
“Our Vaccine Works campaign is about showcasing our local primary care providers for all the amazing work they’ve done over the past few months to improve COVID-19 vaccination rates in North Queensland and protect our community,” Ms Whyte said.
“Primary care plays a vital role in the national vaccination rollout program, as it has the capacity to vaccinate in a distributed model by offering place-based solutions in local communities.
“North Queensland, due to its geography, presents unique challenges and opportunities, and the incredible work of general practices and pharmacies in our region will help us reach our vaccination targets sooner rather than later.”
In North Queensland, there are currently 137 general practices, 106 pharmacies, 10 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, and four GP-led Respiratory Clinics administering COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Moderna).
To book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment, including at Queensland Health clinics, people are encouraged to use the Australian Government’s official COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Finder at https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au