MILDURA desperately needs more nurse immunisers to help meet the demand for COVID vaccinations. Mallee District Aboriginal Services (MDAS) chief executive Jacki Turfrey said while there is no shortage of supplies, or local people wanting to get the jab, “we just don’t have enough immunisers”.
“We have been overwhelmed with bookings, which is fantastic, and we’ve had to set up a dedicated call centre and email booking system to meet the massive demand,” Ms Turfrey said.
“It has been running hot, but our capacity to increase what we are doing is limited by the access to nurse immunisers. We haven’t got anywhere near enough.”
One nurse immuniser who responded to the call for help this week was Mel Welch, wife of Mildura Base Public Hospital CEO Terry Welch.
“I am based in Bendigo, but I was up here visiting and when the call come through for some help, Terry said he happened to know someone,” Mel said with a laugh.
“So I’ve come up for my holiday in the sun and thought I could help out.”
Ms Turfrey said the assistance was greatly appreciated from staff, who were working tirelessly to keep up with the demand.
MDAS has been booking in and vaccinating around 130 people per day, as well as members of the Indigenous community who are given walk-up vaccinations.
Almost 3000 people have received their COVID-19 vaccination through MDAS Mildura, which includes first and second doses, since March.
And as of Wednesday, a further 2525 people were locked in for their vaccinations with bookings until September 14.
Ms Turfrey urged people to be patient when making a booking due to the high demand.
MDAS is now administering vaccines to all people over 12, with priority access to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) community members and essential workers.
In Mildura, clinics are being held Monday-Friday at the old CFA building in Orange Avenue. Appointments are available by phoning 1800 183 593 or emailing covidvaccineclinic@mdas.org.au
In Swan Hill and Kerang, COVID-19 vaccinations are by appointment. To make an appointment, phone MDAS Swan Hill 5032 8600.
