Toowoomba vaccinations: Schools across the Darling Downs open their gates as part of a weekend Covid vaccination blitz

Toowoomba and Darling Downs schools have opened their gates for a weekend vaccination blitz as the state’s deputy chief health officer warns against ‘complacency’.

Coming to school on a weekend may not be many teenager’s idea of a good time, but it’s all part of the state’s effort to increase vaccination rates.

Timothy Kist was at Toowoomba State High School on Saturday to do his part, with the 14-year-old receiving his second jab to join the fully vaccinated club.

“It hurt a bit but my arm isn’t as sore as it was after the first one,” he said.

“It feels good to be fully vaccinated, it’s a bit of a relief. A lot of my friends at school are getting their jabs as well.”

Timothy’s father Alexander, who was also fully vaccinated, said it was one less thing to worry about.

“I’d encourage anyone else, especially parents and their kids, to get the jab if they hadn’t already,” he said.

The blitz came as the state’s deputy chief health officer Dr James Smith hit out at Queensland’s “complacency” when it comes to getting the Covid jab, and warned there would be only three ways to stop the virus once the borders opened: contact tracing, restrictions and vaccination.

“I guess there’s a sense of apprehension or complacency – that Covid isn’t the immediate risk that it is,” he said.

The Darling Downs West Moreton Public Health Network will run clinics from 9am-5pm at Wilsonton State High School and Oakey State High School on Sunday.

If you plan to attend any of the weekend clinics, make sure you bring ID, your Medicare card and a pen.

Originally published as Toowoomba vaccinations: Schools across the Darling Downs open their gates as part of a weekend Covid vaccination blitz