While southwest health facilities are seeing steady numbers of vaccinations, Roma has experienced a drop in numbers

While southwest health facilities are seeing steady numbers of vaccinations, Roma has experienced a drop in numbers.

Eligible residents in the Roma area are encouraged to visit the Roma Hospital to receive their COVID-19 vaccination.

Queensland Health has put the callout for more southwest residents over the age of 50 to get the COVID-19 jab as vaccination rates in begin to drop in the Roma area.

While the number of eligible people continue to be steady at other health facilities across the region, South West Hospital and Health Service COVID Vaccination Coordinator Robyn Brumpton said more in Roma should be showing up.

“I would like to encourage more Roma residents to take the opportunity to be vaccinated against COVID–19,” she said.

“The South West Hospital and Health Service currently is offering the AstraZeneca vaccine to anyone across the region that is aged 50 years and over.

“We are recording good attendances at all our other vaccination clinics across the region, including our two other major hubs at Charleville and St George hospitals.

“However, we have noticed numbers dropping off at the Roma Hospital vaccination clinic and we’d like to see more people coming through.

COVID-19 vaccinations for the public in the South West, including at Roma, are also being delivered by private GPs and this is being managed by the Commonwealth.

Ms Brumpton said the reason for the drop in numbers could be related to people seeking the jab from smaller health clinics, but urged residents to take advantage of the vaccination centres so society can get back to normal.

“It may be Roma residents are receiving their vaccinations through their GPs – but if not, please come to Roma Hospital to have it.

“Getting the COVID vaccine means getting back to normal quicker. Immunisation not only protects you and your own family, but also others by helping to control serious diseases in our community.

“So please, if you are a Roma resident aged over 50 and have not yet had your first vaccination, please make an appointment with the clinic at Roma Hospital or see your General Practitioner.

Under the current national guidelines, the AstraZeneca vaccine is recommended for all people aged 50 years and over.

If you are aged from 18 to 50, you can still go ahead with the AstraZeneca vaccination if you wish to do so, with the recommendation you discuss this and your medical history with the immunisation team or your GP in order to make an informed decision.

Queensland Health is currently awaiting advice from the Commonwealth on the timeline for the delivery of Pfizer vaccine to the southwest.

“This will allow us to start planning the rollout of the vaccination program to the general population aged under 50 years who have not yet had a first dose of any vaccine,” Ms Brumpton said.

“I’d also like to remind everyone that a two-week gap is required between having the COVAX and any other vaccination, including the seasonal FLUVAX, so please keep that in mind when arranging your vaccinations.”

Visit the Commonwealth Government’s eligibility website to find a GP near you that has been accredited to deliver the vaccine and to make a booking.

You can also choose to receive the vaccine at Roma Hospital between 9am and 4pm on weekdays, see booking details below:

If you are aged 50 years and over and want to book a COVID vaccination through the health service, please call 4621 2699, or contact your local health facility.

Check if you are eligible and can book a COVID vaccination at a GP near you: https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility

More information on the vaccine is available online: www.qld.gov.au/covid19vaccine  You can also call 134 COVID (134 268) and visit: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid19/protect-yourself-others/covid-19-vaccine