Grafton vaccine clinic opening boosts our Covid response

Vaccine response lead said that there’s been a big response to clinics opening, and encouraged people to take the opportunity to get the shot.

Registed nurse Tracy Harris is one of the first to be vaccinated in the new Grafton clinic as she receives her vaccine from clinical nurse consultant Kate Norton.

There was no shortage of people willing to roll up their sleeves to get vaccinated as the Grafton Covid clinic opened its doors this week.

There were lines out the door to fill the bookings from early in the morning as the Northern NSW Local Health District expanded their vaccination clinic from the hospital.

“We started at the hospital in March vaccinating our own staff and other emergency services in the 1a and 1b category,” NNSWLHD vaccination executive Matt Long said.

“We’ve still got two immunisers working at the hospital as many of our staff are getting ready for their second doses, and because we didn’t want to slow down with that second peak, we’ve opened this up.

“This will be for members of the general public, the other 1a/1b people and members of the general public aged 40-49.”

The new clinic, located in The Link facing Prince St currently can vaccinate between 60-100 people, expanding to more than 200 once the hospital clinic has finished with their staff.

NNSWLHD vaccination executive Matt Long at the new Grafton COVID-19 vaccination clinic.

Mr Long said the opening followed a similar clinic opening in Lismore Shopping Square, which had been a success with its high visibility position.

With the clinic offering both Pfizer and Astra Zeneca vaccinations for the appropriate age group, Mr Long said while there had been some reports of hesitancy from people initially, there was a strong demand from people over 50 happy to take the vaccination.

“I think people in the country are pretty pragmatic,” he said. “They just get on with things.”

Now, as recommendations from the government health advice changed, Mr Long said they followed the advice of which vaccine would be given to age groups, and also which people were eligible.

“We are servicing what is available, and the government sets the agenda for when other cohorts have the opportunity to be vaccinated,” he said.

“But keep and eye on media and the eligibility tracker, because there are some people aged 16-39 and in 1A/1B and we really want those people to come forward.”

“People in emergency services, not just the main ones but in SES, those working in residential aged care, disability care, clients of the NDIS or Aboriginal/Torres Strait island – there’s quite a list of people that are eligible.

Mr Long said that they preferred for people to book via phone due to the demand on appointments, and to check their eligibility through the website.

“I’d encourage people to get vaccinated when they can,” he said. “It’s the only defence we’ve got against COVID-19 in what’s been a disrupted year and a tragic time for some.”