SUNRAYSIA Community Health Services (SCHS) has made the “unavoidable” decision to close off registrations for the Pfizer vaccine due to a lack of supply.
SCHS, which last month opened a new vaccine sub-hub from the Kairivu Barracks army drill hall in San Mateo Avenue, announced late Tuesday that it had stopped all registrations for Pfizer “until further notice”.
“SCHS are currently in a position where community demand far outweighs supply,” SCHS chief executive officer Simone Heald said.
Ms Heald said since the recent rollout of the Pfizer sub-hub, community registrations for the Pfizer vaccination through SCHS had exceeded 2400.
But the Victorian Government had since announced significant reductions in Pfizer supplies, which had ultimately impacted the allocation SCHS has to distribute to the Sunraysia community.
“Therefore, the difficult decision has been made to close off registrations until further notice,” Ms Heald said.
“I appreciate that this decision may cause some angst amongst the community but it is unfortunately an unavoidable one, at this stage.”
Ms Heald confirmed the change would not impact those due for a second dose, and that everyone already registered will retain their position on the list for appointments as they become available.
Aged care workers will also be given priority for available vaccines in order to meet their September vaccination deadline.
While Pfizer will not be available through SCHS, Ms Heald encouraged locals to seek out a jab at a local GP clinic – or travel further afield to get Pfizer.
“Several local GP clinics currently have or will be making the Pfizer vaccination available to their clients,” she said.
“I’d also like to encourage those that may be travelling to areas outside of the Sunraysia region to consider contacting a vaccination clinic at their destination should appointments there be more readily available.”
The AstraZeneca vaccine will continue to be distributed without any changes.
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