School and early childhood staff to receive priority vaccine boosters


Released 17/01/2022 - Joint media release

ACT teachers, education staff, early childhood education and care workers will be prioritised to receive a booster at the Canberra Airport vaccination clinic when it reopens on 24 January 2022.

Initially the clinic will prioritise booster appointments for school-based and early childhood education and care staff working with children who will be invited to book a priority appointment. People in this priority group will be eligible to receive their booster three-months after they have completed their primary vaccination course from 24 January.

Education staff who are eligible for a priority appointment will be contacted directly by the ACT Education Directorate or their employer with details on how to book their appointment.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr said vaccination is the best way to prevent serious illness and reduce transmission and disease.

“There has been a strong early take-up of vaccination in the 5-11 years age group, with around one quarter of children in this age group having received a vaccine in the first week of the program.”

“We are planning for school return for Term 1. All 5-11 year olds in the ACT will have the opportunity to get a first dose before school goes back.”

Education Minister Yvette Berry said these school and early childhood staff were being prioritised as part of measures to create a COVID-safe Term 1 for schools and early childhood education centres.

“We have taken this sensible and proactive step to protect our workforce but also to give children – particularly those that are too young to be fully vaccinated – the best protection that we can against COVID-19,” said Minister Berry.

“This measure will help us to further reduce the risks associated with COVID-19 in our schools and early childhood settings and assist in supporting a COVID-safe return to school for Term 1.”

From next week the general public can also make their booster appointments at the Canberra Airport site online using MyDHR or by contacting the Vaccination Booking Line on 5124 7700 (7am to 7pm, daily).

Like the AIS clinic, free public transport to and from the Canberra Airport vaccination clinic will be available. People can catch Transport Canberra bus Route 3 to reach the clinic.

ACT teachers, education staff, early childhood education and care workers will be prioritised to receive a booster at the Canberra Airport vaccination clinic when it reopens on 24 January 2022.

Initially the clinic will prioritise booster appointments for school-based and early childhood education and care staff working with children who will be invited to book a priority appointment. People in this priority group will be eligible to receive their booster three-months after they have completed their primary vaccination course from 24 January.

Education staff who are eligible for a priority appointment will be contacted directly by the ACT Education Directorate or their employer with details on how to book their appointment.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr said vaccination is the best way to prevent serious illness and reduce transmission and disease.

“There has been a strong early take-up of vaccination in the 5-11 years age group, with around one quarter of children in this age group having received a vaccine in the first week of the program.”

“We are planning for school return for Term 1. All 5-11 year olds in the ACT will have the opportunity to get a first dose before school goes back.”

Education Minister Yvette Berry said these school and early childhood staff were being prioritised as part of measures to create a COVID-safe Term 1 for schools and early childhood education centres.

“We have taken this sensible and proactive step to protect our workforce but also to give children – particularly those that are too young to be fully vaccinated – the best protection that we can against COVID-19,” said Minister Berry.

“This measure will help us to further reduce the risks associated with COVID-19 in our schools and early childhood settings and assist in supporting a COVID-safe return to school for Term 1.”

From next week the general public can also make their booster appointments at the Canberra Airport site online using MyDHR or by contacting the Vaccination Booking Line on 5124 7700 (7am to 7pm, daily).

Like the AIS clinic, free public transport to and from the Canberra Airport vaccination clinic will be available. People can catch Transport Canberra bus Route 3 to reach the clinic.

- Statement ends -

Andrew Barr, MLA | Yvette Berry, MLA | Media Releases


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