General News
27 August, 2021
Drop-in and get the Jab done
Cairns Indigenous health provider, Wuchopperen Health Service will host a drop-in COVID vaccine clinic this Saturday August 28, to boost the vaccinated numbers of Cairns Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members.
The community vaccination day will be conducted at their Moignard Street facility in Manoora between 9am and 3pm.
Rachael Ham, Wuchopperen Deputy CEO said that while the health service has seen a steady flow of community members, particularly elders, come forward to get the COVID-19 vaccine over the past months it is now time to encourage and support all eligible family members to freely and easily get the jab.
“We’re all very aware of how vulnerable our community is due to a higher incidence of chronic and underlying conditions,” Mrs Ham said. “We’re also now becoming more aware of the widening gap in vaccination rates between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous people in Australia. As an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled health service Wuchopperen’s role is to improve the quality of life of our clients and that includes supporting approved vaccines which provide protection and save lives.”
“We are currently encouraging all community members 12 years of age and over to come into the clinic at any time and discuss the COVID-19 vaccine with a Health Worker and make an appointment to get the jab,” said Dr Nicolette Roux, Director of Medical Services.
“This Saturday’s event will make the process more streamlined; and we hope will encourage families to take time out of their usual Saturday to fulfill an essential health requirement, in a comfortable, safe and friendly environment.”
The Pfizer vaccine will be administered by Health Workers and nurses, supported by Wuchopperen GPs. No appointment is necessary, and food will be provided along with entertainment from local musicians.
“We are making the event a community event on a Saturday to encourage families to get vaccinated together,” said Dania Ahwang, Wuchopperen CEO. “Our close family culture is important to our people but just as important is their health. At this moment in time getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is the best way to protect our community and to keep our generations growing strong. I encourage all community members to talk to their extended family members before Saturday and come along and get the jab done!”
Anyone eligible who can’t make it to the event this Saturday can call the Health Service on 4225 8400 to make an appointment in the clinic.
