WAIKERIE’S medical centre is rolling out COVID-19 vaccinations – and local doctors are asking the community to ensure their eligibility before making an appointment.
Medical centres across the Riverland will start administering COVID-19 vaccinations from next Monday, and Dr Ken Wanguhu, of the Waikerie Medical Centre (WMC), said a strict number of vaccinations would be dropped at each centre every week.
“To begin with, we will have 80 vaccinations available each week, the number of which will be raised as time goes on,” he said.
“There’s very strict guidelines for who can have the COVID-19 vaccination, and a priority list that we have to follow.
“The WMC will be starting with healthcare workers – doctors, nurses and staff, police and pharmacy staff. We will also start with those at highest risk as per the guidelines; for example, those with severe chronic disease, immunocompromised, severe chronic lung disease, blood disorders, et cetera.
“However, given that next week is our first week rolling this out and there is much unknown, we’d like to start with those who aren’t at severe risk, so that we can nail down the system before asking those more vulnerable to come out.”
Others who can also receive the current roll-out include people over the age of 70 years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders over 55 years, people over 18 years with an underlying medical condition or disability, and licensed meat processing workers.
The COVID-19 vaccination is being rolled out free of charge, and this first round will be one of two injections patients must receive.
While appointments for the vaccine are limited every week, Dr Wanguhu said no rush is necessary as South Australians have done a “great job” with prevention, given COVID is not a strong presence in the community.
“Patients who have any concerns or questions need to make an appointment with a GP before they book an appointment to get the vaccine, so as to allow the clinics to run efficiently on the day,” he said.
“We’re asking the community not to call us up and ask their questions over the phone – if you have any medical queries, you need to make an appointment and speak directly to a GP for a detailed discussion.
“When calling the Waikerie Medical Centre to make a vaccination appointment, we ask that you call between 11am and noon, any day.”
People who have been cleared to receive the vaccine must fill out consent forms provided by the medical centres, and Dr Wanguhu said information leaflets would also be provided for those with an appointment either at the WMC or Waikerie Pharmacy. Forms and detailed information are available at www.waikeriemedical.com.au
“If patients have a blue vaccine card, bring it in on your appointment day,” he said.
“Or, to make things easier for the medical centre staff, download the Medicare Express app on your phone.
“We will be updating our website and Facebook page, so please check online for any additional information.”
Dr Wanguhu said the Rotary Club of Waikerie would be assisting by setting up a waiting area in the WMC carpark, complete with its coffee van.
“Coffee will be available for those waiting for their vaccine appointment, and those who have just had the injection – you must stay for at least 15 minutes after being administered the vaccine,” he said.
“A donation for the coffee would be appreciated. We are very glad to have the Rotarians with us to help make this roll-out a bit easier.”
For any further information on the COVID-19 vaccination, including eligibility, speak with your GP. To make a vaccination appointment at the Waikerie Medical Centre starting next Monday, call 8541 3500 between 11am and noon on weekdays.
The vaccine will be rolled out in other Riverland medical clinics in coming weeks.