Released 23/04/2021
The ACT Government has supported amendments to the National COVID-19 vaccine rollout, with work already underway to enhance capacity at ACT Government operated vaccination sites as more Canberrans become eligible for vaccination in the coming weeks.
The changes to the rollout accommodate the advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) that currently, Pfizer is preferred over the AstraZeneca vaccine for Australians under the age of 50 who have not already received a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine.
The ACT’s COVID-19 Surge Centre in Garran will operate as the ACT’s mass vaccination clinic, and work is already underway to expand access to the Pfizer vaccine to all eligible Canberrans under the age of 50. This dedicated health facility can vaccinate up to 7,000 Canberrans a week, provided there is sufficient vaccine supply.
Under the changes to the vaccine rollout agreed upon by National Cabinet, Canberrans over the age of 50 will be able to access the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in May, primarily through our local General Practice network.
The revised rollout of the AstraZeneca vaccine for Canberrans over the age of 50 will be supported by a second ACT Government vaccination clinic which will shortly open at Calvary Hospital. The clinic will vaccinate an additional 680 Canberrans a week.
A further vaccination clinic operated by the ACT Government will be considered as vaccine supply increases.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith today announced that the ACT's Digital Health Record project has been fast tracked to support an online booking system for a COVID-19 vaccination at ACT Government vaccination clinics. This booking system will soon be available for Canberrans looking to book their vaccination at either Calvary or at the Garran mass vaccination clinic.
The ACT Government has also made it clear to the Commonwealth that the successful delivery of COVID-19 vaccines to Canberrans living in disability residential care and both the aged care and disability residential care workforces is essential. These groups were rightly identified as a priority in the original COVID-19 vaccination rollout, and these Canberrans must be vaccinated as a matter of urgency. The ACT Government will work with the Commonwealth to enable these Canberrans to receive their vaccination at an ACT Vaccination clinic where appropriate.
The National Cabinet also received advice from the AHPPC on the use of masks during air travel. Masks will continue to be mandatory for all persons aged 12 years and over on domestic flights to and from Canberra and in indoor areas at Canberra Airport.
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases