Plan for Pilbara vaccination roll out “vital”

The State Opposition leader has welcomed a State Government announcement to further expand COVID-19 vaccination rollouts to citizens aged over 30 but says greater attention must be paid to those receiving jabs in the regions.

Opposition leader Mia Davies said though it was a “good move” for the Government to start offering Pfizer vaccines to the over 30s, a comprehensive plan was needed.

“We’re already seeing huge demand on the Roll Up for WA website today, which clearly indicates WA residents are keen to get the jab,” she said.

“We have called on the State Government to make sure that we are thinking about everyone in WA, particularly those who live in rural and remote areas.

“While residents in Bunbury will soon have access to the first regional community vaccination clinic from Thursday, there are scores of other rural communities that must not be left behind.

“We are also looking forward to hearing more detail from the State Government surrounding their regional mobile clinic initiative — including when this will begin and where it will be available.”

Ms Davies said it was vital for the State Government to facilitate more regional clinics in towns were medical resources were already “stretched thin”.

Premier Mark McGowan said this stage of the vaccine rollout was highly anticipated and asked people to be patient as clinics opened.

“With more doses now becoming available, WA can get on with it and get vaccinated,” he said.

“We’ve opened up the COVID-19 vaccination rollout to a broader group of people in an effort to build momentum and get more people vaccinated.”