MALLEE District Aboriginal Service (MDAS) has asked for patience as the organisation processed “a large volume of calls” requesting COVID-19 vaccination appointments.
The request came after MDAS chief executive Jacki Turfrey announced the organisation had been allocated “unlimited Pfizer” COVID-19 vaccine and would be extending its clinic hours from three to five days a week to help vaccinate the community.
MDAS director of health Sam Brennan said she was “pleased and encouraged by the response to calls for community members to come forward and be vaccinated, due to the emerging concerns about COVID-19 in south-west New South Wales”.
In response to high demand, MDAS will hold clinics Monday to Friday at the old CFA building in Orange Avenue from Monday.
“MDAS is able to provide vaccination to anyone aged over 12 years,” Ms Brennan said.
“Aboriginal community members will be given priority in vaccination appointments, but appointments will continue to be available to all people within the target group.
“We are also in the process of setting up an email address as another option for bookings.
“Email us at covidvaccineclinic@mdas.org.au for vaccination inquiries, leave name, contact number, email address and Aboriginality status.
“We are also setting up a dedicated phone booking system to assist with managing the demand we are experiencing, and this system is expected to be operational by Monday. We will advise of the dedicated phone number once it is operational.
“Bookings continue to be available by phone on 1800 183 593, but we ask people to be patient as we are experiencing a high volume of calls.”
