GP clinics get vaccination nod for phase 1b while phase 1a hit with delays

A number of GP clinics across the region have received approval for phase 1b of the vaccination rollout, while the city’s aged care residents still wait on delayed phase 1a rollout.

A number of GP clinics across the region have received approval for phase 1b of the vaccination rollout, which will allow them to administer the AstraZeneca vaccine once the program begins.

The letters of confirmation, sent through from the Federal Government on Wednesday and Thursday, stated that more information about the rollout would follow.

The Ochre Medical Centres in Kingsthorpe, Oakey and Wyalla are among the selected group, of which there are more than 4600 in the country.

“It was exciting that all of our 49 (clinics) got approval to go ahead,” Ochre Health Group Director of Medical Services Dr John Hall said.

“There was an indication that in the first tranche there would be a limited number of practices (approved) – we were confident that we were going to get involved in the vaccine program at some stage but it’s exciting to be able to get that approval upfront and for our sites to be able to be ready for the first part of the 1b rollout.”

Phase 1b of the rollout will include adults aged 70 years and over, other health care workers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people older than 55 years, younger adults with an underlying medical condition and high risk workers.

It is expected to begin in mid-March.

Meanwhile, the wait continues for phase 1a of the vaccination rollout in Toowoomba, with select aged care centres across the city still waiting on the first Pfizer jabs.

Facilities in Glenvale, South Toowoomba, Kearney Springs, Toowoomba and Harristown were on the list for week one distribution, with residents looking forward to the rollout.

“We’re really pleased that aged care will be one of the first groups to receive the COVID-19 vaccination,” Bupa Glenvale General Manager Susmi John said.

“News of the vaccine has been received positively by residents and their families and we’re looking forward to getting this under way.”