Released 03/05/2021
More Canberrans will be able to access a COVID-19 vaccine with the expansion of the ACT Government vaccination program beginning today.
A new COVID-19 vaccination clinic located at Calvary Public Hospital Bruce opens today, offering the AstraZeneca vaccine to people in the ACT aged 50 and over. The Garran COVID-19 Mass Vaccination clinic will administer the Pfizer vaccine to people under 50 who are eligible under phase 1a and 1b.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the expansion of eligibility for ACT Government vaccination clinics provided Canberrans with more options to access the vaccine.
“Opening an additional ACT Government Vaccination clinic and widening who can book in at these clinics provides more options and better access to COVID-19 vaccines for our community.
“The Calvary Public Hospital COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic will supplement the Commonwealth Government’s AstraZeneca program, being delivered through general practices in the ACT.
“People who are 50 years or over are encouraged to contact a participating GP or Commonwealth funded GP respiratory clinics or to book an appointment at the Calvary COVID-19 Vaccination clinic. Most GPs will start providing vaccinations for people aged 50-69 from 17 May, while the respiratory clinics and Calvary vaccination clinic will offer appointments from 3 May.
“Any person who has questions or concerns about getting a COVID-19 vaccine should speak to their GP or healthcare provider before making an appointment,” said Minister Stephen-Smith.
Between the two dedicated ACT Government COVID-19 vaccinations clinics, the ACT Government has the capacity to vaccinate more than 8,000 people a week depending on supply and demand.
“Following the changes to the vaccine roll out agreed upon by National Cabinet, the ACT Government has been working to recalibrate our own vaccination program.
“We have been working to increase capacity and continuously improve operations to ensure we can deliver a safe, effective and accessible program in the ACT as more Canberrans become eligible for a COVID‑19 vaccination,” said Minister Stephen-Smith.
The ACT Government has introduced a new way of booking an appointment through MyDHR (Digital Health Record) to provide Canberrans with a simple and easy to use way to book and track their COVID-19 vaccine.
Through MyDHR, people can now book online for their first COVID-19 vaccination appointment at an ACT Government COVID-19 vaccination clinic in two easy steps, which includes confirming eligibility to get vaccinated and then scheduling the appointment.
“Our digital services team has been testing the online booking system over the last couple of weeks and we thank those eligible essential workers who have already used the portal to make a vaccination booking.
“Any feedback on the portal is welcome and 24/7 telephone support is available if people have any issues in accessing or using the online booking system," said Minister Stephen-Smith.
Eligible Canberrans can book an appointment:
- using the Australian Government’s Vaccine Eligibility Checker to find a participating GP or a link to ACT Government vaccination clinics
- online using MyDHR for ACT Government vaccination clinics in Garran and Bruce
- by calling the ACT Government COVID-19 vaccination booking line on 02 5124 7700 (8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) if you cannot access the online booking system or do not have a Medicare card.
- Statement ends -
Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases