STAFF at Swan Hill Respiratory Clinic are rolling up their sleeves and extending their COVID-19 vaccination program to help people outside the region who have so far had no opportunity to access the vaccine.
People over 50 in Kerang, Cohuna, and smaller towns in the Gannawarra region have for weeks been left in the cold.
While the Swan Hill District Health clinic is busy dispensing the vaccine to eligible people over 50 years old, GP clinics in Kerang are only just starting to get their vaccine supply.
Northern District Community Health CEO Mandy Hutchinson said health services had been working together to provide a solution, and should have an announcement this week.
“We have been doing (phase) 1a and 1b (of the vaccine rollout) with Bendigo Health, so health workers, ambulance staff and other frontline workers have been able to access the vaccine through us and through Bendigo Health,” Ms Hutchinson said.
“We are working closely with Swan Hill and Kerang (District Health Services) on a model moving forward.
“Conversations have definitely been happening. We’re just organising ourselves and the media release now.”
Swan Hill District Health Service CEO Peter Abraham said the service had been supporting visitors from Kerang and surrounds.
“The Swan Hill Respiratory Clinic program has increased capacity to provide more vaccines and welcomes community members from across the region, including NSW border communities,” Mr Abraham said.
“Additionally, SHDH has also been working with the Bendigo Health public vaccination program to enable increased capacity when demand for vaccinations becomes greater.”
For older people, people with disabilities, or those who do not drive, travelling to receive the COVID vaccine is nigh impossible.
Kerang resident Marija Kermeci, 65, does not drive, and cannot easily access the Swan Hill Respiratory Clinic to get her vaccine.
“I don’t have a car and the train runs different timetables to the Swan Hill clinic, so I’m just waiting to see when it comes to Kerang,” Ms Kermeci said.
“My neighbour is not waiting – they had to go to Swan Hill and get their first jab, and will go back in two weeks.
“It’s not a small trip. I don’t mind spending a whole day, but it’s just a matter of the time, and how to get there.”
Despite the wait, Ms Kermeci is not too worried.
“At the moment I’m doing voluntary work with the district heath opportunity shop, and I think there might be a chance on June 3 to get the injection, but I’m not sure about it yet,” she said.
“I’ve got a lot of patience so I’m just waiting. Hopefully they’re making more, and I’m hoping more will come to Kerang so it makes it easier for everyone that’s living here.
“It’s easier to wait here than going all the way to Swan Hill.”
