COVID-19 vaccine now available to general public with an underlying medical condition

Vaccination hubs and general practices across the Murrumbidgee region will now be offering the COVID-19 vaccine to all members of the general public who have an underlying medical condition under the next phase of the National Vaccination Rollout.

The identified conditions include cancers and haematological diseases, currently or in the past; transplant recipients; chronic inflammatory conditions; immunodeficiency conditions; chronic kidney, liver, lung or neurological conditions or diabetes; severe obesity; heart disease and blood pressure disorders and severe mental health conditions.

Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) COVID-19 Pandemic Lead Dr Alison Koschel is encouraging all people who are now eligible to consider booking an appointment for a vaccination as soon as possible.

“This new phase of the vaccination rollout will give even more people, particularly those with an underlying condition, an opportunity to protect themselves against COVID-19,” Dr Koschel said.

“There are 67 general practices offering the vaccine across the Murrumbidgee region in addition to the five regional vaccination hubs in Wagga Wagga, Griffith, Young, Gundagai and Deniliquin.”

GP and Principal of the Wagga Wagga Vaccination hub Associate Professor Ayman Shenouda said vaccination remains the best way to prevent serious illness resulting from COVID-19. 

“Those with underlying conditions are at greater risk and at this time it is important as many people in these categories are vaccinated as possible,” A/Prof Shenouda said.

“The five vaccination hubs in the Murrumbidgee region are well stocked with vaccines for people over 50 years of age. Appointments are readily available and bookings can be made online or by calling the clinic.

“The vaccine appointment will take about 10 minutes of your time, and vaccination really is your best defence against the COVID-19 virus, it will help protect you, your family and the wider community.”

Eligible people under the age of 50 can contact one of two Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) vaccination clinics while those over 50 years of age are encouraged to continue utilising vaccination hubs or participating general practices.

You can check your eligibility for a vaccine by visiting 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.

For more information on Murrumbidgee region vaccination hubs and participating GPs visit www.mphn.org.au/covid19-vaccine