Emma Pritchard, Clarence Valley Independent
The opening of a new Covid-19 vaccination clinic in Grafton last week has given the Clarence Valley community a massive boost in the fight against the ongoing pandemic.
While the local Covid-19 vaccination rollout commenced in March with the first residents receiving their vaccines at the Grafton Base Hospital Ambulatory Care Centre, the new clinic located at the Prince Street end of the Link Arcade offers residents more accessibility in a central location and enables the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) to expand their vaccination capacity.
Within hours of the clinic opening its doors on June 16, several members of the public were arriving with their sleeves rolled up.
NNSWLHD Director of Corporate Services and Covid-19 Vaccination Executive Matt Long said the new clinic can currently vaccinate up to 100 people per day, with that number set to increase to 200 in the coming weeks as more staff receive their vaccinations.
Eligible members of the public, including those aged 40-49, as well as priority groups will be able to receive their Covid-19 vaccinations at the new clinic.
Mr Long is confident the high visibility position of the clinic and its close proximity to Grafton Shoppingworld and local businesses, will result in increased local vaccination rates.
Mr Long, who has already received his Covid-19 vaccinations, said the new clinic offers Oxford/AstraZeneca and Pfizer to the appropriate age groups, and he is strongly encouraging the Clarence Valley community to get vaccinated.
“It’s the only defence we’ve got against Covid-19,” he said, adding the world has seen how tragic and destructive the virus has been.
“We are encouraging people to pre-book and we want to vaccinate as many people as we can.”
Despite some initial hesitancy, Mr Long said there is “quite a demand” for Covid-19 vaccinations from the community, especially residents aged over 50.
Mr Long also recommends residents use the Covid-19 eligibility checker, available at www.health.gov.au, and said the clinic closely follows Government advice in relation to vaccine administration.
“We’re servicing what is available, and the Government sets the agenda for when allocated groups have the opportunity to be vaccinated,” he said.
The Grafton Covid-19 vaccination clinic is open between 7:30am – 4pm, Monday to Friday.
Mr Long confirmed the facility will remain operation for as long as necessary and will be managed as the main vaccination clinic in Grafton.
This article appeared in the Clarence Valley Independent, 23 June 2021.
