Bunbury vaccination clinic nearly doubles number of daily COVID-19 jabs administered

As WA moves closer toward the easing of border restrictions and the deadline for many occupational groups to be fully vaccinated, the number of South West residents getting their jabs has nearly doubled.

The region’s COVID-19 vaccination rate sits at 96.2 per cent for first dose and 88.1 per cent of people fully vaccinated, with 15.6 per cent of eligible residents having already rolled up for their sleeves for a booster shot.

The number of people receiving their jab at the State-run clinic has grown from pre-Christmas levels of about 500 people per day to between 800 and 1000 each day.

The State Government earmarked February 5 as the date to begin easing interstate and international border restrictions, when WA is projected to have more than 90 per cent of the population double-dose vaccinated.

This date will arrive just five days after workers in several occupational groups — which represent about 80 per cent of the WA workforce — need to be fully vaccinated in order to continue working in high-risk industries or to continue working through lockdown conditions.

The rush to meet these dual deadlines, plus the introduction in WA of the paediatric COVID-19 vaccine for children aged five to 11 years, has nearly doubled the intake at Bunbury’s COVID-19 vaccination clinic.

A Health Department spokesperson said increased demand for vaccinations meant State-run clinics have been extremely busy.

“Since the Therapeutic Goods Administration approved the Comirnaty Paediatric (Pfizer) COVID-19 vaccine for five to 11-year-old children, parents have jumped at the opportunity to have their children vaccinated against COVID-19 and already more than 2200 children have been vaccinated in State clinics,” the spokesperson said.

“Children will also be able to get their vaccination in participating GPs and pharmacies across metropolitan and regional WA, so parents are encouraged to call their GP clinic directly to make an appointment.”

The spokesperson said all WA’s regional vaccination clinics offered paediatric vaccinations.

WA Country Health Service South West regional director Kerry Winsor said the increased traffic to the clinics had been met with positive community support.

“We want to acknowledge the patience and kindness the community have extended our staff who continue to perform a vital service in challenging circumstances,” she said.