Covid vaccine hub opens in Nicholas St Ipswich
West Moreton Health authorities say the successful opening of a new clinic this week has paved the way for a dramatic increase in the rate of vaccination against Covid-19.
Ipswich
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The rate of vaccination against Covid-19 across the Ipswich region could increase as early as next month following the successful launch of a new clinic in the CBD.
The announcement follows Tuesday’s opening of a new community vaccination hub in the Nicholas Street Precinct, which resulted in 420 vaccinations being administered on the first day.
West Moreton Health chief operating officer Matthew Tallis said the clinic had 12 of its 30 booths open, which was still four more than the former clinic at Ipswich Hospital Cribb House contained.
“Once we open the door at 8am, there are no queues for the rest of the day due to the number of booths we have open,” Mr Tallis said.
“It is a very streamlined process and the result of a lot of hard work and planning by our vaccination team.”
While capacity depends on supply of vaccines, Mr Tallis said he was confident the clinic could begin increasing capacity next month.
“Due to supply constraints, we are currently prioritising the 1a and 1b groups and people who are due for their second dose,” Mr Tallis said.
“The more people we vaccinate in those high-risk groups, the closer we will be to vaccinating the community more broadly.”
The new clinic, which was built at the site of the former Harvey Norman store underneath the old cinema complex in the mall, is capable of administering more than 1000 vaccines a day dependant on vaccine availability and staffing levels.
Mr Tallis said it was important to acknowledge the work of general practitioners in West Moreton who were also delivering vaccines to the community and the Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN which is supporting them.
West Moreton Health has delivered 22,000 COVID-19 vaccinations to date.
People must book before visiting the Ipswich clinic.
To register your interest for the vaccine, visit www.health.qld.gov.au/vaccinebookings.
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