Last chance for Hunter to grab free flu jab

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Hunter residents are reminded, the NSW Government's free flu shot scheme will finish at the end of the month. 

Residents have until this Thursday 30th June to take advantage of the program. 

Free flu shots are available at GPs for anyone aged 6 months and over, as well as at pharmacies for everyone aged five years and over.

Many GP's and pharmacies in the region are still taking walk-in appointments and are encouraging locals to help stop the spread. 

Hunter New England Health public health physician, Dr David Durrheim, said it's not too late to protect yourself. 

"We've certainly seen an increase in the number of people who've been jabbed during June which is fantastic, but there's still opportunities for people to grab the vaccine in these last couple of days to get the whole family protected," Dr Durrheim said. 

He also reminded residents not to forget about COVID, with the rise in flu cases. 

"We've seen in the last three months, already over 6,200 Influenza A cases in the Hunter New England region, which is an enormous number. Two thirds of those cases have been in the last three weeks; there's plenty of flu about, you're going to encounter flu, so it's a really good idea to be protected as maximally as possible." 

"Anybody who hasn't had their flu jab should get their flu jab as soon as possible. Anybody who's due for either their third dose or their winter booster of the COVID jab, really don't delay any longer," he said.  

The flu vaccine will remain free for vulnerable individuals and high-risk groups, including children aged six months to under five years, Aboriginal people, pregnant women, people aged 65 years and over, and those with diabetes, serious heart, lung, kidney or liver disease, immunosuppression and obesity.

Hunter residents have until tomorrow to get their free flu shot. 

Vaccination Clinic Open Today At Newcastle University

BY IAN CROUCH

A free vaccination clinic is open today (Wednesday 6 October, 2021) at the University of Newcastle's Callaghan campus.

The on-campus medical centre is offering Pfizer and Astrazeneca shots.

There's no need for anyone to be a patient at the clinic, but you will need to book.

People can book by going to www.hotdoc.com.au   and search by the postcode 2308.

Spots are available from 9.40am this morning.

Meanwhile walk-in Pfizer clinics will be open at the Finding Yellow Hall at Weston on  Friday and the East Maitland Community Centre on Saturday and Sunday.

The clinics are open to everyone over the age of 12, with priority being given to indigenous people, those with disabilities or significant health issues and people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. 

A vaccination clinic is opening today at the
University's on-campus medical centre
Picture:theguardian.com

McDonald Jones Homes Offering Staff Vouchers For Vaccination

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Hunter home-building company McDonald Jones Homes is breaking ground by offering its employees $200 to spend at Coles or Myer if they've had their COVID vaccine. 

Around 300 staff members in the Hunter and more than a thousand country-wide are eligible for the vouchers if they can provide proof they've had both doses. 

Head of Corporate Affairs Brett Lavering says the incentive will go a long way for the safety of employees and of the wider region.

"It's not mandatory, it's entirely up to them, but we think it's a good way to do our bit to try and get the country back on track," Mr Lavering said.

Mr Lavering said the response from staff has been encouraging. 

"We introduced it on Friday, and already about 50 staff have come forward with their vaccination certificate to say that they're done, and plenty of others are saying,  'Yep, I've got one down, I can't wait to get my second one'," Mr Lavering said.

"They'll get that gift voucher, and they can spend that on whatever they like."

Newcastle's Own COVID Vaccination Hub Gets Opening Date

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Newcastle's own COVID-19 vaccination hub is set to open at the former Bunnings site at Belmont in a little over a week. 

Hunter New England Health will start delivering 20,000 vaccines a week from July 19th. 

Around 100 nurses and 25 pharmacists will be working on site at 393 Pacific Highway. 

Appointments booked at the John Hunter Hospital will also be relocated to the new hub.

More Vaccine Hubs On The Way

 BY JARROD MELMETH

The NSW Government is ramping up efforts to rollout the COVID-19 vaccines as bookings go live for the Pfizer vaccine at the John Hunter Hospital for people aged 40 to 49.

Premier Glady's Berejiklian confirmed that alongside the clinic at the John Hunter another one at Muswellbrook Hospital will progressively start offering the vaccine throughout June.

The two hubs in the hunter join 25 sites across the State gearing up to administer the Pfizer vaccine.

"I want to thank the more than 120,000 people aged 40 to 49 who have already registered their interest to receive the Pfizer jab. 

"We are working hard to ensure you receive the vaccine as soon as possible," Ms Berejiklian said.

This follows the governments plans revealed on Tuesday they are on the hunt for a suitable venue in Newcastle to host a mass vaccination clinic.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said NSW Health has worked hard to expand its Pfizer footprint across NSW.

"We're making it easier for people right across NSW to access COVID vaccines as quickly as possible.

"The more people vaccinated the sooner in our state the stronger our defence against this extremely dangerous virus," Mr Hazzard said.

People aged 40 to 49 can register for the Pfizer vaccine here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/ 

BREAKING! Government on the Hunt for Newcastle Mass Vaccination Centre

BY JARROD MELMETH

NSW Health Minister, Brad Hazzard has confirmed the NSW Government is on the hunt for a possible new mass vaccination hub in Newcastle.

Health officials are looking for a large commercial premises approximately 2000sqm in floor space, which is well placed in terms of parking, accessibility and public transport. 

The search for a local hub follows calls last week from the Hunter GP Association who said a vaccination centre in the Hunter would increase protection from outbreaks.

It also follows the State Governments Sydney Olympic Park vaccination Centre which opened on May 10 and has thousands of people booked in to receive the jab. 

Anyone with a suitable premises is being asked to contact the Health Ministers Office.