THERE have long been calls for a mass vaccination hub to be set up in Gunnedah, and mayor Jamie Chaffey is thrilled that will become a reality this Saturday.
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Given the region's general practitioner (GP) shortage, it was always going to struggle to get the population vaccinated quickly, which is reflected in the fact its second dose percentage is just 25.4 per cent.
Cr Chaffey said he is ecstatic the hub has finally been announced and believes it will have a profound effect on the community.
"We've been calling for some time for further support in Gunnedah to help with the vaccination numbers because we know we're a vulnerable community until we can get our vaccination percentages up higher," he said.
"We're very hopeful our community will come out and take hold of that opportunity with no appointment needed."
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Four Gunnedah outlets took part in last Saturday's vax-a-thon, which saw 271 locals get their jabs.
But mass vaccination hubs which have taken place in the Northern Tablelands and some walk-in clinics in Tamworth have shown that way of doing it can prove hugely successful.
Gunnedah Shire Council had been in conversations with the region's state and federal representatives for some time about the opportunity to increase the region's vaccination abilities.
Cr Chaffey, who has himself received two doses of AstraZeneca, said he fears the community is prone to a bad outbreak if the numbers don't improve.
But he thinks people's attitudes have begun changing recently, especially after COVID-19 was detected in the town's sewage.
"I think the fact our sewage testing regime has shown with its third sample there is a positive reading, and that's widespread shared in the community now, that there is a greater understanding that it's no longer time to procrastinate about a vaccination," he said.
"If it's something you're eligible to get, and you've been considering to get it and haven't yet, then now is the time to do it."
The hub will be hosted at the Gunnedah Rural Health Centre from 9am to 2pm on Saturday, September 4 and no bookings or Medicare cards will be required.
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