COVID-19 vaccinations begin at Central Australian Aboriginal Congress

STAFF and Aboriginal people over the age of 18, living in town and Congress-serviced remote communities in Central Australia can now access the vaccine.

CENTRAL Australian Aboriginal Congress has began the first vaccines across Congress clinics in Phase 1B of the national vaccine rollout this week.

Phase 1B includes staff and Aboriginal people over the age of 18, living in town and Congress-serviced remote communities in Central Australia.

Chief executive Donna Ah Chee said “vaccines – and community immunity – are the way out of the pandemic, and the only way to keep our communities safe from the virus in the longer term”.

“The only way to prevent severe illness, hospitalisation and death, especially in vulnerable populations, is for those of us who can be vaccinated to do so as soon as we are able.

“The potential for devastation in Aboriginal communities without being vaccinated is

unimaginable. We would lose our cultural knowledge – our universities.”

Some Congress staff were vaccinated in preparation for the rollout, including registered

Aboriginal Health Practitioner (AHP), Lynnette O’Bree, who works as Congress’

AHP Training co-ordinator.

“I have recently gone through some very serious health issues and having this vaccine means that I am taking away the risk of getting very sick from COVID-19 in the future,” Ms O’Bree said.

Aboriginal Health Practitioner (AHP), Lynnette O’Bree getting vaccinated at Congress.

“It means I can travel and live my life as normal.

“Working in Aboriginal community controlled health service, I see so many of our people living with chronic disease. That means the risk of COVID-19 for them is very serious. I’m doing this for me, my family and my community.”

Congress is running a dedicated vaccine clinic for Aboriginal people from its Gap Clinic

location.

Clients can also access vaccinations from other town clinics at particular times and when they come in for routine care.

HOT NEW DEAL: Read everything for 28 days for just $1

Vaccination for older, vulnerable and less mobile community members is being offered through outreach.

For people living in remote communities with Congress clinics, vaccines are being distributed to the clinics, and will be progressively available within the next two weeks.

Clients can call 1800 570 688 to make an appointment at the Congress town vaccination

clinic. For more information, ask at your usual clinic or visit caac.org.au.

Follow @jasmineaburke