Rugby pop-up to boost COVID-19 vaccine figures

Rugby fans can do their bit in the fight against COVID-19 this Saturday as Townsville University Hospital vaccination nurses descend upon Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

Two pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics will be in the city’s CBD, one at the northern entrance to the stadium and one at the Stanley Street end of Flinders St as part of Townsville City Council’s Townsville Eats – Rugby Championship Edition.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service Chief Executive and keen rugby fan Kieran Keyes said this was the health service’s first time bringing vaccination out into the Townsville community at a major event.

“We know locals love their footy, so we thought we’d capture all of the avid rugby fans and give them the chance to get vaccinated against COVID-19 at the same time,” he said.

“Each pop-up will have 8 nurses and 1 administration officer, and all people need is to have their photo ID and Medicare card on them.

“Anyone over 12 can get vaccinated at either of these pop-ups and they don’t need an appointment.”

Member for Mundingburra Les Walker said the nurses would be vaccinating from 1:30pm into the evening.

“The team will be at the Stanley Street end of Flinders St from 1:30pm – 8:00pm and at the northern entrance to the stadium from 3:30pm – 8:00pm,” he said.

“If you’ve been meaning to get the vaccine but haven’t had the chance yet, this might be perfect for you.

“We are so lucky in Townsville to be able to host large football games such as this and getting the vaccination ensures we can continue to do things like this in our region.

“I know other regional centres such as Mackay and Rockhampton had good success with boosting their vaccination numbers at recent sporting events and I have high hopes that these pop-ups will do the same for Townsville.” Mr Keyes said each pop-up had the capacity to vaccinate 200 people on Saturday.

“That’s a potential 400 people who have not yet received their vaccine could be half-way to being fully vaccinated on Saturday night,” he said.

“If people are in too much of a hurry to get their vaccine on the night, the team can help them book an appointment at our vaccination centre at West End instead.

“I’d also like to acknowledge the Townsville City Council for partnering with us to make these pop-ups possible. “It’s wonderful to have their support in getting our community vaccinated.”

The vaccine available will be Pfizer.