Released 27/08/2021 - Joint media release
More Canberrans will be able to access a COVID-19 vaccination with the AIS Arena set to open as our next mass vaccination clinic on Friday, 3 September.
The AIS Arena COVID-19 Mass Vaccination Clinic will replace the mass vaccination clinic currently located at the Garran Surge Centre.
“This move to the AIS means more Canberrans will be able to access a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination faster,” Chief Minister Andrew Barr said.
“The ACT Government’s single biggest priority over the next three months will be to vaccinate as many Canberrans as possible. Our target is not 80% of the eligible population being vaccinated. We are aiming for much more than that.”
“The Government, in partnership with local GPs and pharmacies, will be doing everything we can to provide vaccines to eligible Canberrans – including 12-15 year olds. At maximum capacity, the AIS Arena can deliver 24,000 vaccines every week, depending on supply.”
ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the ACT Government was putting the infrastructure and staffing capacity in place to administer as many vaccines as we are receiving from the Commonwealth.
“This new mass COVID-19 vaccination clinic will help us vaccinate as many Canberrans as possible as supply increases,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
“If you have a booking at Garran on 3 September onwards it will be automatically transferred to the new AIS Arena clinic at the same time in the new location without you having to do anything.
“If the change in location affects your ability to attend at your current appointment time, you will be able to change your appointment from Sunday morning, either online through the MyDHR portal or by phone on 02 5124 7700.
“Please do not call ACT Health to change an appointment before Sunday as they are working hard to move existing appointments and won’t be able to process your request.
“The exception to this move is the Access and Sensory clinic, which will continue to operate at Garran while we work with key stakeholders on options to transfer this clinic to another location.”
Some appointments on Friday morning will need to be rescheduled to facilitate the move. Those people will be contacted directly about rescheduling their appointment and given an option to have a sooner appointment if this is possible.
The Garran Surge Centre will continue to support the Government’s pandemic response.
To facilitate the movement of bookings to the new clinic, online bookings will be unavailable from 8pm tonight (Friday 27 August) until 8am tomorrow (Saturday 28 August).
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck
"The Morrison Government is pleased to support the ACT community in getting as many Canberrans vaccinated as possible.
"The vaccination clinic at the AIS Arena will play an important role ensuring those who are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine can get vaccinated as quickly as possible, and is aligned with the Australian Government’s COVID-19 Vaccine Strategy.
"The Morrison Government remains focused on suppressing the virus and delivering the vaccine to anybody willing to roll up their sleeve.
"Getting vaccinated doesn't just protect you. It is another layer of protection for those you love and the communities in which you live and work."
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases