Albany a virus-vaccine hub

By Michael Roberts | posted on February 12, 2021

ALBANY Health Campus has been listed as one of six logistical hubs that will help vaccinate every willing Western Australian against COVID-19 by the end of the year.

Premier Mark McGowan and Health Minister Roger Cook announced on Saturday the State expected to receive the first doses of the TGA-approved Pfizer vaccine in just a few weeks’ time.

With each person requiring two doses of the vaccine three weeks apart, Mr McGowan said the first rollout would be very limited.

“Based on our population, WA will expect to receive 10,000 doses from the Commonwealth initially,” he said.

The Australian vaccine program will progress in three phases, with workers involved in hotel quarantine among the first to be vaccinated.

Once more doses become available, the elderly, health care workers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, critical high- risk workers and people with underlying health conditions will be offered vaccinations later in phase 1 and phase 2.

“In the first phase of the program, eligible individuals will be invited to register for a vaccine using a WA health booking system,” Mr Cook said.

“All adults are encouraged to get the vaccine and it will be free for everyone living in Australia.

“It is not being recommended children under 16 should receive the vaccine.”

To complete the vaccination program in WA by the end of the year, Mr McGowan earmarked Perth Childrens Hospital, Albany Health Campus, Headland Health Campus, Kalgoorlie Health Campus, Geraldton Health Campus and Broome Health Campus as logistical hubs.

Mr Cook said the Western Australian Country Health Service would be responsible for delivering vaccines to the regions.

The Pfizer vaccine must be stored at minus 70 degrees in ultra-low temperature freezes and can only be stored for up to five days when taken out of those conditions.

“Authorities will have to move quickly to administer all available doses,” Mr Cook said.

“Staff who will deliver the vaccine are being trained.”

Speaking to those concerned about the safety of the vaccine, Mr Cook said every protocol had been followed.

“Despite the urgency, it’s important to stress no corners have been cut,” he said.

“COVID-19 vaccines have gone through the same TGA approvals, just in this case it is more a condensed time frame.

“I encourage everyone to take up the vaccine when it is made available to them.”