NORTH-WEST Victoria’s key Aboriginal health service has enough supplies of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to open its doors to all locals eligible for the jab.
Mallee District Aboriginal Services chief executive Jacki Turfrey said in a statement the organisation expected to retain secure supplies of the vaccine, providing demand was strong.
“Both the Federal and State governments are supporting the MDAS COVID-19 vaccination program and I can confirm at this stage there is no indication of any interruption to our supply of Pfizer vaccine,” Ms Turfrey said.
The MDAS health service in Mildura is offering up to four vaccination clinics each week for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, subject to demand. As of this week, MDAS in Swan Hill is also providing Pfizer COVID-19 vaccinations.
MDAS began offering Pfizer COVID-19 vaccinations to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 16 years and over in early June.
The organisation recently extended its vaccination program to include non-Indigenous people aged 40-59 and those eligible under Phase 1a and 1b of the Federal Government’s vaccine roll-out or people otherwise eligible for health reasons.
The confirmation comes after Sunraysia Community Health Service last week closed registrations for the Pfizer vaccine due to a lack of supply.
“To date, more than 400 people have booked in to receive their first Pfizer vaccination through MDAS and we are continuing to experience strong booking numbers at our vaccination clinics, which shows people in our community are keen to be vaccinated against this deadly virus,” Ms Turfrey said.
“It’s important to encourage your family, Elders and community to get vaccinated so that they are protected from COVID-19. We are doing everything we can to make vaccinations accessible to as many people as possible to protect against COVID-19.”
MDAS Mildura and some medical clinics remain the only places in local area administering Pfizer vaccinations.
To make an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine, people can phone MDAS on free-call number 1800 183 593.
Find out where you can get a Pfizer or AstraZeneca jab with our comprehensive guide.
