Townsville celebrates 50,000 vaccine milestone

The Townsville Hospital and Health Service marked a major milestone this week reaching it’s 50,000^th COVID-19 vaccination.

Townsville HHS Chief Executive Kieran Keyes said the health service had vaccinated 50,499 people since March 5.

“35,336 people have had their first dose and 19,963 have had their second dose,” he said.

“The community has done their bit and stepped up which is a stellar achievement,” he said.

“While this is a great achievement it’s important that we don’t become complacent during the ongoing battle of this pandemic.

“If you are aged between 40-59 you are currently eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine so please make sure you register your interest to book an appointment.

“If you’re a healthcare worker in any part of the sector, in aged care, disability care, primary care  you are welcome to walk in for your vaccination.

“People who aren’t yet eligible should also register their interest so that when they become eligible we have their details and can offer them an appointment.

“50,000 is a great number but we want to see that number keep growing.”

Mr Keyes said it was amazing to see the vaccine figures grow since the first vaccine was administered in March.

“When the Townsville University Hospital vaccination centre opened in March it was a pretty humble beginning where we were administering just a little over 200 doses a day,” he said.

“We now regularly do more 600 to 700 doses a day and I’m really proud of all of our staff who make this happen.”

Jennifer Ryder was said she was proud to get her vaccine on the day the 50,000^th vaccine was administered.

“My daughter has really been encouraging me to get my vaccination as once of her biggest concerns was if fell sick, she wouldn’t be able to get from Canberra to Townsville to care for me,” she said.

“My message for the community is just don't hesitate.

“I was hesitating because I didn't think I was eligible but when I registered, I got a message saying they'd get back to me and next thing I was booked in and it happened so quickly.

“The nurses were so friendly, and it wasn’t scary so whether you’re eligible yet or not just give it a shot.”

The Townsville University Hospital vaccination centre will close from 3:30pm on Friday 30 July. The Townsville Community Vaccination Centre will open on Monday 2 August at 1-3 Woodman Court, West End on the former Joyce Mayne showroom. To register your interest to book a vaccine visit www.vaccinebookings.health.qld.gov.au/