Page 1822 - Week 07 - Tuesday, 22 June 2021
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Together with all Australian jurisdictions, the ACT has accepted this advice and we have been working to immediately update our COVID-19 vaccination program. We are no longer accepting appointments for AstraZeneca for people aged 50 to 59 years to receive a first dose. All people in this age group who had already booked to receive their first dose of AstraZeneca have been contacted by ACT Health to arrange a new appointment for the Pfizer vaccine.
Importantly, those aged 50 to 59 who have already received their first dose of AstraZeneca without any serious adverse events are strongly encouraged to attend their existing appointment for their second dose of AstraZeneca. This is because the risk of TTS following a second dose is significantly lower than following the first dose.
In recent days, the commonwealth government has confirmed that the ACT will be receiving an increase in Pfizer vaccines over the coming week. This puts the ACT in a good position to open more appointments to eligible Canberrans. Yesterday, the Chief Minister and I announced that from Tuesday, 29 June, the ACT government will open an additional mass vaccination clinic, to be located in the Canberra airport precinct. ACT residents aged 50 to 59 years can now book an appointment for a Pfizer vaccination at either the mass vaccination clinic at Garran or the Canberra airport clinic.
I want to thank everyone who has been involved in the establishment of this clinic, including our partners in Canberra Airport Group, who offered this space and have worked collaboratively to ensure the clinic could get up and running as efficiently as possible. A lot of planning and work goes into these clinics, and I also want to acknowledge the contribution of the Digital Services Division in the ACT Health Directorate, who have worked so hard behind the scenes in supporting the vaccine rollout, as well as continuing to improve the Check In CBR app.
Of course, I would also like to thank all of the staff who are delivering COVID-19 vaccinations in the territory. I encourage Canberrans to visit the ACT COVID-19 website to find out more about the vaccination program and check when they are eligible to book their appointment.
Madam Speaker, the outbreaks in Victoria and New South Wales have been an important reminder to get vaccinated against COVID-19 when you are eligible. Getting vaccinated is an important defence against the serious effects of COVID-19 and can help protect yourself, your family and the community.
The recent developments show that COVID-19 is still with us. If you are travelling anywhere in Australia, please remember that things can change quickly. Regularly check the public health advice of the place you are visiting, follow regular COVID-safe practices and check in at venues using Check In CBR to support contact tracing.
We must all continue to keep Canberra safe and strong by staying home if unwell, getting tested for COVID-19 if experiencing even mild COVID-like symptoms,
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