One-year vaccination milestone for country WA

Today marks one year since the COVID-19 Vaccination Program commenced in country Western Australia.

On 2 March 2021, Amber, a senior nurse from Bunbury Regional Hospital, was the first person in country WA to roll up for a COVID-19 vaccine at a WA Country Health Service (WACHS) vaccination clinic.

This marked the beginning of an extensive network of clinics across regional WA that have gone on to administer more than 400,000 doses of vaccine.

Sharlene Abbott, WACHS COVID-19 Vaccination Program Lead, said this enormous feat would not have been possible without the support of the WA community.

“I would like to thank everyone in country WA who has rolled up for the COVID-19 vaccine. By doing so you have made a huge difference not only for your own health and the health of your loved ones, but your entire community,” Ms Abbott said.

“I would also like to thank the WACHS staff across our regions who have been working on the COVID-19 Vaccination Program.

“The work begins long before our clinicians get needles into arms. From the staff working through the logistics of delivering vaccines across such a vast area to our health promotion teams educating communities about the importance of vaccination, there is a huge team behind every vaccine.”

Ms Abbott said as we celebrate this major milestone, it is important to maintain momentum and ensure we everyone rolls up for their all-important booster shot and that children and young people receive their first or second doses.

“Anyone aged five years and over is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine,” Ms Abbott said.

“And everyone aged 16 and over who had their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccination at least three months ago is eligible for a booster.

“There is good evidence that a booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine increases protection against infection with the Omicron variant, preventing serious COVID related illness and death.”

Regional and metropolitan vaccination clinics, participating GPs, pharmacies and Aboriginal Medical Services offer the free COVID-19 vaccination. Locations can be found on the Roll up for WA website.