Community
31 January, 2022
Yarrabah prepares to go back to school as COVID cases rise
WITH less than two weeks before the new school year begins, Gurriny Yealamucka Health Services are encouraging parents to get their children vaccinated against COVID-19.
Yarrabah reached 318 active COVID cases this week and are expecting even more as the Queensland government said the peak of this outbreak might be arriving at the end of January and beginning of February.
On the bright side, the vaccine rollout for all children aged 5 – 11-years started two weeks ago and already, over 26% of eligible children in Yarrabah have received their first shot.
To be fully vaccinated, children need to receive two doses, three to eight weeks apart. However, Gurriny Yealamucka Health Services, Director of Clinical Services, Dr Jason King, is pushing for vaccination since returning to school is expected to increase COVID-19 cases.
“Although we have the fastest children vaccination rate in the country, we’re worried that busy classrooms make the perfect conditions for the virus to spread,” Dr King said.
“It has been a challenge for the community; it’s a very widespread outbreak right now with one of two houses affected.”
Dr King is proud of the prompt response of the community to the children vaccine rollout, and he said he sees first-hand the benefit of the vaccination program already.
“We have had families present for testing from a household with positive cases; the vaccinated children tested negative to COVID,” he said.
“Whilst the vaccine is not going to completely prevent you from catching COVID, it will significantly reduce the symptoms and the risk of passing the virus onto other close contacts.
“It takes at least 14 days before the body reaches a level of protection after each dose, so we need kids vaccinated now to ensure we do not have COVID affecting our schools once classes recommence.”
With all the misinformation going around, Dr King understands the panic that many parents may be feeling, but he said the best way to address the concerns is to ask questions.
“We’re not forcing people to get vaccinated. We won’t push anyone, just come in and have a chat with one of our GPs or nurses; they will answer any questions you have,” he said.
“We are open to conversation; we just want you to base your decision on evidence, not on speculation.
“There’s a lot of misinformation going around on social media regarding vaccinations. The vaccine does not contain any live virus and will not cause the child to catch COVID-19.”
Dr King said health services want to focus on disaster management and providing resources to families affected by COVID.
“It has been challenging when there isn’t enough funding for support, not only food but also mental health, so we want to make sure we help those families that are at risk,” he said.
“We still have a long journey to go. It will be five to six weeks before this outbreak ends.
“Look after each other, get tested early, make sure to social distance, wear a mask and keep getting vaccinated, and if you need our help come see us.”
Parents wishing to have their children vaccinated in Yarrabah can bring them to Bukki Road or the Workshop Road Clinic. No appointment is necessary.
