Parents are being encouraged to book their children in to junior COVID-19 vaccination clinics which will be held in the region from next week for those aged between five and 11 years old.
Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service is rolling out the clinics so children are protected before school resumes this year.
The jab is available for this cohort from next Monday (10 January), but Queenslanders can log on now to secure an appointment from that date.
WBHHS Vaccine Lead Fiona Sewell said this age group would receive two doses, eight weeks apart.
“We’ll be holding junior clinics between 10 to 23 January which will allow kids to receive their first shot and acquire a layer of protection before the school year begins,” Ms Sewell said.
“It’s natural for parents to want to get their children protected against this virus and having your child vaccinated will help to protect them from becoming seriously ill from COVID-19.
“We’re witnessing how important the vaccine is – despite the growing number of cases, there are very few patients ill enough to be in intensive care.”
“Wide Bay has seen an excellent uptake in vaccination from children aged 12 to 15 and we expect a similarly positive response from parents and guardians of younger kids.
Ms Sewell said families with pre-booked appointments would be given priority at the WBHHS clinics.
“Pre-booking your appointment also helps speed up the registration process once you arrive,” she said.
“We’ll still be accepting walk-ins but these people need to be prepared for a bit of a wait, particularly with how busy our clinics have been in the past month or so.”
The Therapeutic Goods Administration approved the Pfizer vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 years old late last year.
Parents and carers can log onto the Queensland Government’s vaccination booking page to make an appointment for their child.
They can get their vaccinations through Queensland Health and Commonwealth-run clinics, GPs, pharmacies, and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services.
To find what days and hours your local fixed or rural vaccination location is open, visit
www.health.qld.gov.au/widebay/html/covid-19/vaccine.
