Commonwealth Bank’s vaccination clinic rollout kicks into gear

Commonwealth Bank has set a target of vaccinating its 6500 staff across western Sydney after rolling out three vaccination hubs, with five more on the way.

Parramatta branch manager Leasa Koroskoski at the vaccination hub. Picture: Nikki Short

Commonwealth Bank has set a target of vaccinating its 6500 staff across western Sydney after rolling out three vaccination hubs, with five more on the way.

The nation’s biggest bank has been exploring workplace vaccination efforts in recent weeks, and after signing a deal with the federal government the lender moved to offer shots of AstraZeneca from some of its branches.

The pilot program, which will run seven days a week, will also offer jabs to the families and household members of front line bank branch staff.

CBA has the nation’s largest branch footprint and operates 43 branches in Sydney’s west.

The bank is also exploring opening vaccination centres at branches in other local government areas of concern in NSW over coming weeks.

CBA’s Paramatta Westfield vaccination hub is the first rolled out by the bank.

The bank also set up hubs in Bankstown and Hurstville last week, with plans to expand the service to its branches in Blacktown, Cabramatta, Auburn, Liverpool and Campbelltown.

CBA Paramatta bank branch manager Leasa Koroskoski had her vaccination two weeks ago.

She said many staff were very keen to book in to get their Covid-19 vaccines.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity,” she said.

There was a particular staff member, where her elderly parents were very apprehensive about getting vaccinated, but when this became available she brought her dad down and he got his first jab.

“She said she didn’t think he would have it if we didn’t have it available here.”

A Commonwealth employee gets their Covid shot. Picture: Nikki Short

The bank is also expand vaccination nationally, as more vaccines become available.

The opening of the vaccination efforts in the bank’s branches coincides with the rollout of rapid antigen testing for staff in the areas of concern.

The tests are voluntary.

Bank branches have remained open during the NSW lockdown because of their status as an essential industry.

CBA’s corporate health provider Vitality Works, which also provides the bank’s flu shot program, is running the Covid-19 vaccination service.

CBA human resources group executive Sian Lewis said the bank had taken the step to offer testing and vaccination to combat the spread of the Covid-19.

“As an essential service, with one of the largest workforces in the country, we are committed to implementing safety and support measures to help keep our people, customers, and in turn the broader community, as safe as possible,” she said.

“CBA’s employee vaccination program will help speed up the vaccination rollout in NSW, and we are committed, as a bank, to do everything we can to support the rollout across the country,” Ms Lewis added

CBA said a survey of employees found 90 per cent intend to get vaccinated.

“The vast majority of our people have told us they want to get vaccinated and that getting access to the vaccine at a convenient time and place will help them enormously,” Ms Lewis said.

“Our vaccination program, which is voluntary, will offer additional convenience so those wanting to be vaccinated can do so as quickly as possible.”