Toowoomba region hits 80 per cent Covid vaccination target ahead of Queensland

The Toowoomba region is ready for the border restrictions to relax on December 13, after hitting the 80 per cent vaccination rate target. Here’s when we could hit the 90 per cent mark.

Casey Zeller, Darling Downs Health Nurse and first vaccine recipient at Toowoomba Hospital.

Take a bow, Toowoomba — you’ve smashed the 80 per cent Covid-19 vaccination target.

The city’s medical fraternity is celebrating, with four out of five eligible residents having now been double-jabbed as of Tuesday November 30.

The massive milestone means the Garden City is ahead of Queensland’s vaccination rate by as much as two weeks.

Queensland’s current border restrictions will ease again when the state hits the 80 per cent vaccination mark, which could be as early as December 10.

More than 600 vaccines are being administered across the region every day by GPs and public health officials, while nine out of 10 locals have had at least one dose.

At the current rate, Toowoomba could achieve the 90 per cent mark just days before Christmas (December 21).

The news has been welcomed by Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service’s Michelle Forrest, who is the acting executive leader of the Health Emergency Operations Centre.

Ms Forrest said it ensured the region was ready for when the borders opened.

“Thank you to many thousands of people across the Darling Downs Health region who have rolled up their sleeves to receive their Covid-19 vaccination,” she said.

“You have done the best thing to protect yourself, your loved ones, and the broader community.

“Our health service staff have worked many hours, often on the weekends and after-hours, to ensure people have had the opportunity to access a vaccination within their local community.”

But Ms Forrest said residents couldn’t afford to be complacent, with health officials aiming for a vaccination rate above 95 per cent.

“We have some of the highest vaccination rates in the state, however there is still work to do and we encourage anyone who hasn’t received a vaccination to book-in, or attend one of our clinics, for their vaccination,” she said.

The DDHHS’s walk-in clinic at Clifford Gardens Shopping Centre has administered more than 40,000 jabs since it opened in September.

Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio paid tribute to the region’s public health officials, saying they had performed a vital role during a difficult period.

“The medical fraternity has been amazing in the way they’ve communicated with me and answered my questions,” he said.

“This is about the health of the nation — it’s not just about the individual’s health, but the health of your family and friends, Queenslanders and Australians.”

To find your nearest vaccine clinic, Google “get vaccinated Queensland”.