In a major boost to the COVID-19 vaccination program, the Australian Government is ramping up the weekly number of doses of AstraZeneca being provided to general practices across Australia, including in Barker.

With deliveries commencing next week, participating general practices which have been receiving 50 doses per week, will now receive 150 doses per week, and general practices receiving 100 doses per week, will now receive 200 doses per week.

Federal Member for Barker, Tony Pasin, said the increased doses would give Barker residents more choice and local GPs more capacity.

“The Australian Government and health experts continue to work diligently to ensure our nation has access to safe and effective vaccines, to protect lives and livelihoods.” Mr Pasin said.

“As we start the next steps of our vaccination program for people 50 years and over, we continue to ensure our priority populations can access the vaccine as soon as possible.”

“Primary care vaccination sites have now administered more than 1.2 million vaccinations – more than half the total so far. This is an amazing achievement in such a short amount of time and a true reflection of the capacity of the sector and the trust that Barker locals and Australians as a whole put into their GPs.”

“I encourage all eligible Australians to take the vaccine and in doing so you are not only protecting yourself, but you are also protecting the broader community from this highly infectious disease.”

“I confirm my family and I will take the vaccine as soon as we are permitted to do so in accordance with the rollout schedule.” Mr Pasin said.

Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt echoed Mr Pasin’s comments, thanking GPs across the country for their work during the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.

“General practice is leading the rollout of the AstraZeneca vaccine to people aged 50 and over, and will continue to be an integral partner in the delivery of our national COVID-19 vaccination program,” Minister Hunt said.

“Our Government has brought forward to 17 May, access to AstraZeneca for people 50 years and over and I am pleased to announce that more than 800 general practices have elected to start earlier, reflecting the ongoing commitment of general practice to support their local communities.”

“This is in addition to the Commonwealth, state and territory Vaccination Clinics which commenced vaccinating the over 50s on 3 May. I welcome their partnership in this early delivery of the AstraZeneca vaccine.”

For more information on the vaccine program, including vaccination sites near you, visit health.gov.au

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