Queenslanders urged to get tested, more vaccine hubs to open

Queenslanders are strongly encouraged to register their interest in getting vaccinated and come forward for testing if they experience any COVID-19 symptoms.

Acting Health Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said with the Delta variant circulating in Australia, it was vital to detect any positive cases in the community as quickly as possible.

“Please come forward for testing immediately if you’ve been to any of the potential exposure sites at the relevant times, or if you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms,” Minister Hinchliffe said.

“I know it’s cold and flu season, and you may think a runny nose or a sore throat is just a cold but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Detecting positive cases as soon as they arise is key to limiting the spread of COVID-19 in Queensland.

“If you experience any COVID-19 symptoms, no matter how mild, please get tested as soon as possible and isolate until you get a negative result and your symptoms resolve.

“There are dozens of testing sites across Queensland. Go onto our website to find your nearest COVID-19 testing centre.”

To find your nearest testing clinic, visit www.qld.gov.au/covid19testing

Minister Hinchliffe said the Palaszczuk Government continued to expand its vaccination sites, with a new vaccination hub scheduled to come online in Gympie next week.

“A new community-based vaccination location will be opened at Gympie Civic Centre next week and remain open to the end of October,” he said.

“We’re pleased to be able to provide this service to the Gympie community, however bookings are essential.

“The sooner you register your interest to receive the vaccine, the sooner you will have the opportunity to be vaccinated.

“Please be patient – anyone who wants to be vaccinated, will be vaccinated. If you have already booked an appointment, it’s really important that you show up for it.

“I thank everyone who has come forward to get vaccinated. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and limit any community spread of COVID-19.

Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young reminded people that they needed to get two doses of the vaccine for maximum immunity.

“To get the full benefit of the vaccine you will need two injections,” Dr Young said.

“Remember to book your second dose appointment before leaving your first dose appointment.”

The second dose of the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine is recommended to be administered as close to 21 to 42 days after your first vaccination.

Your second dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine should be administered approximately 28 days to 90 days from your first vaccination.

You need to receive a link via email to enable you to book an appointment.

The following people can register their interest for a COVID-19 vaccination appointment at a Queensland Health vaccination location.

• All healthcare workers and aged care and disability care workers, regardless of age
• Quarantine and border workers, regardless of age
• People aged 16 and over with an underlying medical condition or significant disability
• Critical and high-risk workers e.g. emergency services
• All people aged 40-59 years
• All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people aged 16-59
• Household contacts of quarantine, border and healthcare workers who are at higher risk of having contact with COVID-19 positive patients

To register your interest in getting vaccinated, visit www.health.qld.gov.au/vaccinebookings