Logan, Bundaberg hospitals to administer COVID vaccine, starting next week

Two southern Queensland hospitals have been chosen as the first sites for administering the COVID-19 vaccination to the public as early as next week.

The COVID vaccine will be rolled out in southeast Queensland next week.

Logan and Bundaberg hospitals have been chosen as the first sites for administering the COVID vaccination to the public as early as next week.

Both hospitals will be ready to start inoculating people with the AstraZeneca drug as soon as supplies land in Queensland, which is expected on the weekend.

The initial phase next week will be for frontline hospital and medical staff and the public will not be able to call the hospitals’ vaccination centres to make appointments.

More hospitals will be added to the public rollout as assurance checks are completed.

Treasurer Cameron Dick said Phase 1a of the rollout would prioritise frontline health workers and hotel quarantine staff.

“If they’re vaccinated they’re best protected, and that means they can help more people in the fight against COVID-19,” he said.

“The opening of the vaccination centre at Logan Hospital is contingent to supply from the federal government, but it’s expected we’ll receive the AstraZeneca vaccine over the weekend.”

The Logan and Bundaberg vaccination centres are in addition to six vaccine hubs already in operation in Queensland.

Every Queenslander will have the opportunity to get a vaccine as government methodically staggers distribution.

Two private vaccination clinics will also open to the public this month, — one at Slacks Creek in Logan and the other at Morayfield, north of Brisbane.

Professor Evan Jones, who oversees both clinics, said a special centre was under construction to carry the load of vaccinations at Morayfield, where he expected his staff would administer 14,000 free jabs a week.

“We are still waiting on the commonwealth government to give us the finer details on when we will start, but we are prepared,” he said.

“We are currently hiring and training large numbers of reception staff, doctors and nursing staff to be able to deliver the large numbers of vaccinations in the community.”

Professor Jones said the injections would be the AstraZeneca.

The Astra Zeneca vaccination requires two doses four to 12 weeks apart and is for those aged over 18.

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LOGANHOLME SEWAGE CONTAMINATION

COVID IN SEWAGE AT VICTORIA POINT

Bookings will be necessary for the free vaccinations at both clinics.

■ Slacks Creek Respiratory Clinic: 22 Duke Street, Slacks Creek. Ph: 3445 4050.

Sat & Sun (Excl Public Holidays) Slacks Creek Respiratory Clinic was previously known as Shailer Park and caters specifically for patients with respiratory illness, cold or flu symptoms, travel into Queensland in the past 14 days or require testing for COVID-19. Appointments are essential.

■ Health Hub Morayfield

Ground Floor/19-31 Dickson Rd, Morayfield