Wait continues for Pfizer vaccinations in Toowoomba

The wait is set to continue for aged care residents with the Pfizer vaccine’s rollout in Toowoomba being delayed due to logistical issues.

The Pfizer vaccine’s rollout in Toowoomba has been delayed due to logistical issues, according to a health representative.

The first vaccinations had been expected to start at an aged care facility in the city today, as part of the Federal Government’s week 1 distribution of the vaccine.

In a separate statement, a Department of Health spokesman said the vaccination rollout would continue as planned.

“Aged care facilities in Toowoomba scheduled for the COVID-19 vaccination roll out this week will receive the vaccine this week as planned,” the spokesman said.

An exact time frame for distribution was not provided.

Rural Doctors Association of Australia President Dr John Hall said phase 1a of the rollout was likely to take weeks due to supply.

“It’s arrived on schedule but we know there’s 142,000 doses in the first tranche,” Dr Hall said.

“There are a million people eligible for phase 1a, so it still will take some time even if we are getting 142,000 doses a week, we are still looking at eight to 10 weeks to get that population vaccinated.

“People need to understand this is going to be a prolonged vaccination campaign, it’s important it happens as quickly as possible, but by sheer weight of numbers it’s going to take time to get through everybody who needs it.”