Swan Hill District Health (SHDH) today announced details of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout commencing at Swan Hill Respiratory Clinic (28 High Street, Swan Hill) this Monday, 22 March.

The vaccination rollout will be a game changer in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling everyone to better protect themselves, their families and their community through a safe, effective vaccine rollout throughout 2021.

The program will ensure equitable and efficient access to vaccines for the people of the Swan Hill catchment community, following a methodical and staged program.

From Monday, the Commonwealth’s Phase 1B rollout kick-starts in the region through the Swan Hill Respiratory Clinic, providing access for healthcare workers, high-risk workers such as emergency services, people aged over 70 years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged over 55 years and people aged over 18 years with an underlying medical condition, including a disability. Persons who are eligible for the Phase 1A Vaccination program are also welcome to make an appointment.

This vaccination program will use the AstraZeneca vaccine which is now in stock at SHDH.

Anyone eligible is encouraged to book an appointment via the Commonwealth eligibility tracker through the following link www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid–19–vaccine–eligibilitychecker.

Peter Abraham, Chief Executive Officer, Swan Hill District Health, said that much preparation has gone into ensuring that this program can be delivered as efficiently and as effectively as possible locally. SHDH looks forward to ensuring that with our fellow local vaccine providers, every resident of the Swan Hill catchment community has the opportunity to receive the vaccine locally.

“It’s an exciting time, a landmark moment in the fight against COVID-19,” Mr Abraham said.

“The key message for the community is clear – these vaccines are safe and free to access and we urge the people of Swan Hill and district to get vaccinated, when it is their turn as advised by the authorities. This way you can protect yourself, your family, friends and our community.”

“It is important however, to remind people that this process is a marathon, not a sprint and it will take time and hard work, and we ask the community to be patient. We’ll get to everyone as quickly as we can.”

Key questions

Is the AstraZeneca vaccine safe? Can people get blood clots?

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has said vaccines are vital in our fight to against COVID-19, enabling Australians to protect themselves, their family, and their community. It’s clearly stated there is no evidence the AstraZeneca vaccine causes blood clots. The AstraZeneca vaccine – along with all TGA approved vaccines – are safe and effective.

Why are Phase 1B people getting access ahead of Phase 1A?

SHDH is following the rollout of both the State and Federal Governments. People eligible in Phase 1A will have their two doses of vaccine administered seamlessly at the health service and within aged care facilities, ensuring maximum convenience and ease of access for all involved. It’s important we