Expanded COVID-19 vaccine rollout, new Bunbury community jab clinic see ‘great uptake’ by South West residents

South West residents have been rolling up their sleeves for WA, as almost 1000 appointments were made at the State’s first regional community vaccination clinic in Bunbury this week. Based at the Bunbury Homemaker Centre, the clinic opened on Thursday and about 500 people got their vaccine there within the first week, as of yesterday morning. A WA Country Health Service spokeswoman said the number was “absolutely” as high as they had hoped. “The uptake has been great,” she said. “We encourage all eligible people to register and book online for their vaccination. “We are working hard to bring on board as many clinics as possible and have been pleased to see more than 43,000 people in the South West receive their first dose so far.” About 1000 people are expected to be vaccinated at the Bunbury clinic each week. The Pfizer vaccine is available to those between 30 and 49 years old and the AstraZeneca for people 50 and over, There are currently 73 State-run hospital-based clinics across regional WA, with WACHS planning to open more community clinics in the future. “Vaccination against COVID-19 remains the best way to prevent severe illness and death from COVID-19,” the spokeswoman said. “We would encourage everyone who is eligible to book an appointment to protect themselves, and their community. “What has been happening in Victoria highlights how important it is to be vaccinated. The risk of potential outbreaks of COVID-19 is ever-present, even in regional areas.” More than 85,000 West Australians have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 so far, with about 4700 of those in the South West. Mr McGowan said he was thrilled there had been such an overwhelming response from the community aged 30 years and over and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders aged 16 years and over since the announcement on Tuesday last week. “There has been a rush on to book appointments and we are committed to continuing to offer more vaccination opportunities, locations and times across the State in line with increasing vaccine allocations from the Commonwealth,” he said. Appointments can be booked by phoning 13 COVID (13 26843) or via rollup.wa.gov.au.