A DEDICATED van for delivering the COVID-19 vaccination will be visiting Mossman and Cow Bay in coming weeks.
The Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service has hired a motorhome, which has been fitted out with specialised equipment to vaccinate up to 150 people per day.
The vehicle, dubbed the “COVan”, is visiting communities in the Douglas Shire to deliver the COVID-19 vaccine to staff at the Health Service’s rural and remote clinics, and eligible community members.
A team of up to six staff members, including a doctor, nurses, pharmacist and administration officer would be travelling onboard the COVan to each scheduled destination.
At each location, the COVan would be operated as a walk-in clinic, whereby no appointments are necessary for eligible people for vaccinations, however community members are encouraged to contact the booking hotline on 1800 861 863 to secure an appointment time.
CHHHS executive director of rural and remote services, Tracey Morgan, said it was exciting to be able to bring the COVID-19 vaccine to the more remote parts of the region.
“It doesn’t matter whether you are a nurse in a small, rural clinic or a ringer on a cattle station,” she said.
“When it comes to combating the COVID-19 pandemic, we are all in this together.
“Vaccination can save thousands, if not millions of lives and the COVID-19 vaccine is still the best way to protect against this severe disease.
“When Australia’s international borders re-open, it is vital that our region – with its International Airport and dependence on tourism, agriculture and mining – that our community is protected.”
‘To find out your eligibility and nearest vaccination location, contact your local Primary Healthcare Centre
COVID-19 mobile vaccination clinic schedule 2021
Please note: dates and times may be subject to change
*Contact the COVID-19 booking hotline on 1800 861 863 to confirm times closer to dates
