Mackay Covid-19 vaccination rates climb while Isaac region falls behind

Mackay’s vaccination rates are climbing with more than half the population having received their first dose, leaving one of our neighbouring regions falling drastically behind.

Mackay’s Covid-19 vaccination rates are climbing steadily but one of our neighbouring regions is falling drastically behind.

Just three weeks ago, vaccination rates showed only 24,900 out of Mackay’s 92,300 residents fully vaccinated, equating to about 27 per cent.

Figures from Queensland Health on Tuesday have shown a steady climb, with an increase of 10,000 people in Mackay receiving their two jabs since September 6.

This equates to about 37.8 per cent of Mackays population, with a total of 57.1 per cent having received their first dose.

While Mackay is not even close to the top of the leaderboard for Queensland vaccination rates, it is faring considerably better than one of its closest neighbours.

Moranbah State High School student Jessie Earl and nurse Sue Farrell at the Moranbah vaccination clinic.

Statistics reveal the Isaac region is sitting at just 19.9 per cent total vaccination rate, with 35.2 per cent of the region’s 15,500 strong population receiving the first dose.

The Whitsundays is faring better than their inland neighbour, with 31.7 per cent of its population fully vaccinated and 52.6 per cent at the halfway mark.

A Moranbah-based facility originally established as a Covid-19 testing ground has transitioned into a community hub centre at the end of August, with the help of $2 million in funding from BMA and BHP.

Moranbah State High School Year 11 student Jessie Earl received one of the 2000 doses the hub has recently delivered in the community.

Ms Earl said when the hub opened up, she jumped at the opportunity to get vaccinated.

“I chose to get vaccinated to help protect the vulnerable in my community, and to demonstrate to people in my age group that getting vaccinated is simple and safe,” she said.

“Many of my peers are also making the decision to get vaccinated.

“Thankfully we haven’t been affected by many of the restrictions faced in other parts of the country this year, but I am looking forward to being able to travel more freely, not only Australia, but the rest of the world.”

Opportunities for vaccinations in the Whitsunday region are also opening up, with a rolling hub offering residents an opportunity to get vaccinated throughout October.

The rolling clinic Medical Rescue will open in Airlie Beach from September 29 to October 5 and Proserpine from October 9 to October 14.

The clinic is expected to later open in Collinsville, Calen, Cape Gloucester, Hayman and Hamilton Islands.

Mackay Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive Lisa Davies Jones said it was important people took advantage of the opportunity to vaccinate while the hub was in their area.

“They are not a permanent fixture so please get vaccinated while you can,” Mrs Jones said.

The clinics offer walk-in vaccination however to guarantee a time people are encouraged to register here.

A full list of vaccination clinics in the Mackay Isaac Whitsunday region is available here.