At-risk and priority groups will have greater access to COVID-19 jabs from 20 September, after the Darling Downs and West Moreton Primary Health Network announced a new walk-in Vaccine Hub at the Ipswich Foodbarn in Woodend.
The new Hub will provide exclusive access to jabs for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse People, and other priority vaccine groups.
Division 3 Councillor Andrew Fechner said this was an important initiative to support those in the community who often find it difficult to access traditional health care centres.
“Through this collaboration, the Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN, Ipswich Foodbarn, and We’re 4 Community are taking the COVID-19 vaccine to people who might otherwise slip through the cracks,” Cr Fechner said.
“From September 20, members of this vulnerable community can walk into the Ipswich Foodbarn and get a vaccine, even if they don’t have a Medicare card.
Division 3 Councillor Marnie Doyle said council supports healthcare workers and community groups making the vaccination accessible to everyone in the community.
“The pandemic continues to be an enormous challenge across our community including those who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness,” Cr Doyle said.
“We’re 4 Community should be congratulated for developing this initiative which will see these organisations work together to assist vulnerable community members at significant risk from COVID-19.”
Groups eligible to receive the vaccine at the new Hub include:
- People experiencing or at risk of homelessness
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples
- aged care workers, residents and carers
- disability workers, participants and carers
- culturally, ethnically and linguistically diverse people
- people who do not have a Medicare card or are not eligible for Medicare including farm workers, and
- people in rural and remote areas with limited healthcare options.
Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN, Ipswich Foodbarn and We’re 4 Community will work closely with community organisations in the coming weeks to support people to access the hub to receive their vaccine.
The first dose of the vaccinations will be held at the Ipswich Foodbarn at 1 Darling Street, East Woodend, Ipswich at these times:
- Monday, 20 September through to Friday, 24 September at 8am to 5pm
- Monday, 27 October through to Friday, 1 October at 8am to 5pm
- Monday, 4 October through to Friday, 8 October at 8am to 5pm
People will be able to make a booking online or will be able to walk-in. For bookings click here.
Goodna Street Life in partnership with Queensland Health is also offering the COVID-19 vaccine for the homeless.
Symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild illness to pneumonia.
People with coronavirus may experience symptoms such as:
- fever
- coughing
- sore throat
- shortness of breath
- runny nose
- fatigue
- diarrhoea
- vomiting or nausea
- loss of smell and/or taste
Other symptoms can include muscle or joint pains or loss of appetite.
If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, no matter how mild, call your doctor or 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84) and get tested.
Eligible people can now book to receive a COVID-19 vaccine at a Queensland Health vaccination location.
To find a COVID testing location near you, visit https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/stay-informed/testing-and-fever-clinics
