MEDIA RELEASE Thursday 26 August 2021
Calling all Cairns’ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members to make this Saturday the day you said, “Jab done!”
This Saturday (28 August) Wuchopperen Health Service is hosting a drop-in COVID-19 vaccine clinic at its Manoora facility to encourage all Cairns’ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members to get the jab done!
Rachael Ham, Wuchopperen Deputy CEO said that while the health service has seen a steady flow of community members, particularly elders, come forward to get the COVID-19 vaccine over the past months it is now time to encourage and support all eligible family members to freely and easily get the jab.
“We’re all very aware of how vulnerable our community is due to a higher incidence of chronic and underlying conditions,” Mrs Ham said. “We’re also now becoming more aware of the widening gap in vaccination rates between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous people in Australia. As an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled health service Wuchopperen’s role is to improve the quality of life of our clients and that includes supporting approved vaccines which provide protection and save lives.”
“We are currently encouraging all community members 12 years of age and over to come into the clinic at any time and discuss the COVID-19 vaccine with a Health Worker and make an appointment to get the jab,” said Dr Nicolette Roux, Director of Medical Services.
“This Saturday’s event will make the process more streamlined; and we hope will encourage families to take time out of their usual Saturday to fulfill an essential health requirement, in a comfortable, safe and friendly environment.”
The Community Vaccine Day will be held this Saturday (28 August) at the Moignard Street facility in Manoora from 9am – 3pm. Qualified staff will be available to answer any questions that community members may have about the COVID-19 vaccines.
The Pfizer vaccine will be administered by Health Workers and nurses, supported by Wuchopperen GPs. No appointment is necessary, and food will be provided along with entertainment from local musicians.
“We are making the clinic a community event on a Saturday to encourage families to get vaccinated together,” said Dania Ahwang, Wuchopperen CEO. “Our close family culture is important to our people but just as important is their health. At this moment in time getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is the best way to protect our community and to keep our generations growing strong. I encourage all community members to talk to their extended family members before Saturday and come along and get the jab done!”
Anyone eligible who can’t make it to the event this Saturday can call the Health Service on 4225 8400 to make an appointment in the clinic.
More information:
- To be eligible for the Pfizer vaccine at the Community Vaccine event all attendees must be registered with Medicare.
- Transport is available to existing Wuchopperen clients but must be booked 24 hours in advance. Call 4080 1052 to book.
- A second Community Vaccine Day will be held on Saturday 18 September 2021.
Wuchopperen Health Service Media Contact: Helen Cook, Communications Coordinator
Phone: 07 4080 1056 Email: helen.cook@wuchopperen.org.au