Phase 1b of COVID-19 vaccination to commence across the Murrumbidgee

Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) has confirmed Phase 1b of the COVID-19 vaccination rollout will commence in general practice across the Murrumbidgee region next week.

MPHN Acting CEO Julie Redway said as part of the Australian Government COVID-19 Vaccination program, there will be 14 general practices and five GP Vaccination Hubs initially coming on-line to administer the vaccine during the week commencing 22 March 2021.

“When the Australian Government first called for interest from the nation’s general practices to administer the COVID-19 vaccine, it was pleasing to have more than 90 percent of eligible GPs across the Murrumbidgee want to be involved,” Ms Redway said.

“Most of which will be administering vaccines, but this initial rollout will see the communities of Wagga Wagga, Cootamundra, Griffith, Leeton, Narrandera, Barham, Temora, West Wyalong, and Young being able to access the vaccine in a local general practice.

“In addition to these general practices, the current GP Respiratory Clinics in Wagga Wagga, Gundagai, Young, Deniliquin and Griffith will include GP Vaccination Hubs.

“Over the coming weeks, more of our general practices will commence vaccinations, and we will keep you informed of these.

“If you’re not living in these first communities or neighbouring townships, I would encourage you to contact your local GP to discuss when and how you might be able to receive the vaccine,” she said.

Those eligible for the vaccination under Phase 1b include healthcare workers currently employed and not included under Phase 1a; critical and high risk workers currently employed; people over 70 years of age; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over 55 years and people over 18 with an underlying medical condition, including disability.

Wagga Wagga GP, Dr Rachel Glasson said people should be aware of the need to wait two weeks between COVID-19 and Influenza vaccinations.

“There is a requirement for the COVID-19, Influenza or any other vaccine to be administered at least 14 days apart. This means people can expect to be asked during their vaccination appointment if they have had any vaccinations in the past 14 days,” Dr Glasson said.

To check your eligibility for a vaccine visit https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility.  If you are eligible for the vaccine you will be redirected to book or find a service near you.

The following general practices in the Murrumbidgee will be administering COVID-19 vaccinations next week:

  • KRS Health Family Medical, Wagga Wagga

  • Blamey Street Surgery, Wagga Wagga

  • Glenrock Country Practice, Wagga Wagga

  • Kooringal Medical Centre, Wagga Wagga

  • Young District Medical Centre

  • Cootamundra Medical Centre

  • Temora Medical Complex

  • West Wyalong Medical Centre

  • Leeton Medical Centre

  • Ochre Health Medical Centre, Barham

  • Hay Medical Centre

  • Kookora Surgery, Griffith

  • Leeton Medical Practice

  • Narrandera Medical Centre

GP Vaccination Hubs:

  • Wagga Wagga Vaccination Hub – 8 Tanda Place, Glenfield Park

  • Gundagai Vaccination Hub – 95 Sheridan Street, Gundagai

  • Young Vaccination Hub – 12 Boorowa Street, Young

  • Deniliquin Vaccination Hub – 409 George Street, Deniliquin

  • Griffith Vaccination Hub – 105 Binya Street, Griffith

Cristy Houghton