Vaccination among resource sector workers got off to a flying start today with Premier Mark McGowan and Health Minister Roger Cook officially opening a new clinic at Perth Airport.
The hub, a collaboration between the State Government and Rio Tinto, is aimed at accelerating vaccination rates among the resources sector, with many FIFO workers able to conveniently get a COVID vaccine on their way through the airport.
New pop-up State-run clinics in Armadale and Mirrabooka will also be stood up in coming days, as part of WA's roll out in line with vaccine supply.
The clinics are expected to open from Monday, 18 October 2021 and will be located at Armadale Central Shopping Centre and Mirrabooka Square Shopping Centre with booking options to be available in the coming week.
The opening of the Perth Airport COVID-19 vaccination clinic complements the McGowan Government's recent announcement to mandate vaccination to WA FIFO and local workers on Western Australian mining, oil and gas and exploration, visitors to these operations, as well as all resources sector employees who work at regional and remote mine sites.
The airport clinic is open weekdays between 10am and 8pm for anyone working in the sector, whether they work for Rio Tinto or another company.
Alternating between Terminals 2 and 3, bookings, which are recommended to avoid delays, are aligned with flight arrival and departure times to increase accessibility and ease for FIFO workers. Walk in opportunities are limited based on daily vaccine availability.
A number of newly established vaccination clinics have recently opened in the State's North West in partnership with the resources sector, including clinics established in Tom Price, Paraburdoo, Port Hedland and Newman.
The resource workers mandate means impacted workers must have their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by December 1, 2021, with full vaccination required by 1 January 2022.
All other eligible members of the WA community above the age of 12-years-old are encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
There are now more than 100 Department of Health run COVID-19 vaccination clinics located across the State, with sites listed on the HealthyWA website including a range of walk-in opportunities across regional WA.
While appointments are recommended at all vaccination clinics across the State, due to increased capacity people can now attend the Claremont and Joondalup Clinics without a booking.
COVID-19 vaccinations are also provided by a range of GPs, GP respiratory clinics and pharmacies across the State. People are encouraged to speak to their local healthcare providers to find out more.
People aged 60 or older, who have already had a first dose of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, are urged to get a second dose of the AstraZeneca, in line with the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) advice.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"The new Perth Airport COVID-19 vaccination clinic is an excellent example of the Government partnering with industry to keep the community safe from COVID-19.
"The new clinic is designed to make it as easy as possible for members of the mining and resources sector to get vaccinated, and I encourage all FIFO workers on their journey through Perth Airport to make the most of it.
"The resources sector has the highest number of Aboriginal employees of any industry in this State, and a large number of mining sites are located in close proximity to Aboriginal communities.
"If even one member of an Aboriginal community became infected the consequences would be dire, so I urge those of you who work in the sector to move quickly on this.
"We're full steam ahead with the roll out of the COVID vaccine and that's why the addition of two new State-run clinics in Armadale and Mirrabooka from next week will also help make it more convenient for people to get the vaccine closer to home.
"These suburban pop-up clinics complement the array of roving clinics in regional WA with many offering walk-in opportunities."
As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:
"The resources sector has been a crucial and progressive partner in the COVID-19 response.
"They made a commitment very early to protect the safety of their workers and the communities in which they operate.
"The sector has helped keep WA safe while contributing enormously to the Australian economy.
"The next important step is to ensure all workers are vaccinated against COVID-19.
"So this new collaboration between the WA Health and Rio Tinto is a terrific initiative.
"I urge everyone - including all FIFO workers - to get vaccinated as soon as possible."
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