MPHN encourages COVID-19 vaccination appointments

Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) is encouraging residents of the Griffith, Hillston and Lake Cargelligo areas to come forward for vaccination as soon as possible.

Additional vaccination appointments are available at Hillston Medical Centre, Lake Cargelligo Family Practice as well as Griffith’s Commonwealth funded Vaccination Hub and Griffith Aboriginal Medical Service with several increasing their capacity to cope with higher demand.

MPHN’s COVID-19 Pandemic Lead, Dr Alison Koschel has commended the incredible work and dedication of all staff who are working tirelessly to ensure the community is vaccinated as quickly as possible.

“We are encouraging all members of these western communities including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members to come forward and be vaccinated as soon as possible. It is vital we continue to increase our vaccination numbers in these areas to ensure the community is protected,” Dr Koschel said.

“The general practice and vaccination hub staff in Hillston, Griffith and Lake Cargelligo deserve to be congratulated for the work they are doing to provide this important vaccine to the community. We remind people to remain patient when booking an appointment and be kind when dealing with general practice and hub staff,”

Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) Acting CEO, Julie Redway said it is critical people continue to monitor for symptoms and come forward for testing especially in areas of concern.

“We are urging anyone who has been in Lake Cargelligo or Hillston over the past two weeks or is experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms including cough, fever, sore throat or shortness of breath to come forward for immediately and isolate until receiving a negative result,” Ms Redway said.

“Testing is available at the Griffith GP Respiratory Clinic at 105 Binya Street and appointments can be made over the phone or online.”

To check your eligibility for a COVID-19 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. For more information about testing locations visit https://mphn.org.au/testing-and-clinic-locations

Cristy Houghton