A COVID-19 vaccination hub administering the Pfizer jab has been opened at the Mossman Hospital.

The Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service (CHHHS) has extended its Pfizer delivery into its rural communities with the establishment of the vaccination site at Mossman and also in Innisfail.

From Wednesday, the clinic will be open for eligible cohorts, with priority being given to Phase 1a and 1b groups, which includes healthcare workers, and those working in aged care and disability sectors.

The clinic will operate from 8.30am to 3:00pm four days a week on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Vaccinations are by appointment only. No walk-in appointments.

CHHHS executive director of rural and remote services, Tracey Morgan, said COVID-19 vaccination was voluntary and free.

“Since the Health Service’s vaccination program began in February, there has been nearly 47,000 doses of the COVID-19, which is a tremendous effort,” she said.

“We understand there may be some people who are hesitant about receiving their COVID-19 vaccination, but we are encouraging those people to do the right thing to get vaccinated for their benefit, their family’s benefit, and for the wellbeing of their communities.

“These new Pfizer hubs are ideally located at Mossman and Innisfail hospitals to service local residents.

“We always planned to extend Pfizer vaccine delivery to our rural communities and have factored this into our current supply.”

CHHHS executive director of medical services, Dr Don Mackie, said being able to provide the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine at the rural hospitals allows a greater cross section of the Far North’s population to be protected against the virus, particularly vulnerable groups.

“We’ve already seen a great take up of the COVID-19 vaccine across the Far North to date, and we hope this continues at our new Pfizer hubs, which will complement our existing vaccine clinics,” he said.