Our borders were closed to non-residents, schools and non-essential services were closed, queues to Centrelink offices were growing and a second economic stimulus package was announced.

This week sees the national rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine, occurring 12 months on from this terrifying period of lockdowns and job losses.

IN OTHER NEWS:

From March 22, Griffith's elderly and at-risk residents who fall into the "phase 1b" category of the rollout will be able to make appointments at Kookora Surgery and the Griffith Vaccination Hub at Your Health with further general practices commencing vaccinations over the coming weeks.

"Phase 1b" includes those healthcare workers currently employed and not included in "phase 1a", critical and high-risk workers currently employed, people aged over 70 years, adults with an underlying medical condition, including a disability and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged over 55 years.

The next stage of the rollout will start with people aged over 50 years in "phases 2a and 2b" later in the year.

Visit https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility to check if you are eligible to receive the vaccine now and, if so, you will be redirected to make a booking from this site.

Vaccinations are free.

For more information, please contact LHAC chairperson Margaret King on 0409 815 901.

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KEEP an eye on The Area News for more information regarding the vaccine and its rollout in the coming weeks.

Staff at Griffith Base Hospital are also expected to receive their first dose this week.

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