A COVID-19 walk in vaccination drive for members of Griffith's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community proved a big success last weekend with 110 coming forward to receive their Pfizer vaccine.
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The Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) initiative was a means of making vaccination as easy and accessible as possible and did not require participants to bring anything but themselves.
Executive Director of the Centre for Aboriginal Health, Ms Geri Wilson-Matenga said the primary focus of the vaccination drive was to provide a culturally safe place for Aboriginal people to get vaccinated.
"Working with our Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Sector is critical in enabling access to culturally safe vaccination options," Ms Wilson-Matenga said.
"These services have always provided the holistic wrap around care that is so so important at this time."
Griffith's Aboriginal Medical Service also provided free transport to and from Griffith Base Hospital for those unable to make their way their own way in.
Aboriginal Health Worker Ronald Bamblett said it was a 'fantastic effort' from the community coming out in such high numbers to get vaccinated.
"Our walk in vaccination blitz was a huge success," Mr Bamblett said.
"We encourage everyone to be fully vaccinated to stay healthy and are really pleased with the turnout, it was fantastic."
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His colleague, Candy Kilby said the more vaccinated the community was, the more protected the community would all be.
"Vaccines have be proven to be safe," Mrs Kilby said.
"Taking the step to get vaccination is a big thing and we would encourage anyone still unsure to speak with their doctors if they have any questions or concerns so they are able to make an informed decision."
There is a walk in vaccination clinic at Griffith Base Hospital every Monday between the hours of 1pm and 4pm for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples however another targeted community vaccination drive is being planned for the beginning of October.
"It's not about the numbers to us, any number of our mob coming forward to get vaccinated is a good number," Mr Bamblett said.
The Australian Government is responsible for the vaccination rollout to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, as set out in its priority groups. NSW Health is supporting the Australian Government and works in collaboration with local communities to provide access to a vaccine.
More information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples about receiving the COVID-19 vaccines is available here.
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