Dr DOUG QUARRY
As Melbourne enters yet another lockdown caused by a rapidly growing number of coronavirus cases (34 at last count), surely this is the time for us all to reflect on Australia’s slow vaccination program and, even more importantly, to get vaccinated if at all possible?
WIDE VACCINATION COVERAGE (MORE THAN 70%) IS THE ONLY WAY THAT AUSTRALIA WILL BE ABLE TO EXIT THIS CYCLE OF LOCKDOWNS AND BORDER CLOSURES, AND TO ALLOW INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL RESUME. PLEASE DO YOUR BIT FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR FELLOW AUSTRALIANS!!
Remember, all coronavirus vaccines:
• significantly reduce the chances of you becoming severely ill or dying (about 89% efficacy for all vaccines) if you become infected, and
• reduce the chances that you will spread the infection to others.
The overall risk of developing a blood clot following the AstraZeneca vaccine is about 1:100,000. Younger people (under 50 years) have a higher risk due to their more “robust” immune system reacting to the vaccine. For this reason, the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has correctly limited the use of AstraZeneca vaccine to those over 50 years and considers the vaccine to be safe in this age group. Pfizer is recommended for those under 50.
As we go to press /
• Victoria starts its seven-day lockdown at midnight tonight
• Queensland has declared Victoria a hotspot – travellers must hotel quarantine for 14 days
• Western Australia and Tasmania are closing their borders to Victoria
The good news is that more vaccinations are becoming available. In Victoria, Pfizer vaccine will be available to all aged 40-50 year from tomorrow.
Locally /
Practices are receiving more AstraZeneca vaccines.
- Mossman Medical Centre is now receiving 150 doses per week; 60 will be given via normal practice appointments and 90 will be used in a Saturday morning COVID vaccination clinic starting next weekend,5 June 2021.
- Other local practices have today received an invitation to receive vaccine supplies and are expected to be vaccinating soon
- Cairns Base Hospital has a vaccination clinic – currently supplying Pfizer vaccine. Call 1 800 861 836
- Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service has a COVID-19 mobile vaccination clinic providing only Pfizer vaccine around the region – local dates are as follows:
+ 27 May: Mossman Hospital
+ 15-16 June: Mossman Gorge (may move to Mossman Hospital)
+ 6-7 July: Cow Bay
+ 19 August: Mossman Hospital
+ 22-23 September: Cow Bay.
Updated times can be found here: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/cairns_hinterland/covid-19-chhhs-information
