Douglas Shire residents not rolling up as fast for the booster
Covid-19
Douglas Shire is falling behind with getting the Vax 3 (booster) shot and the medical experts are saying we need to start holding up our end of the vaccination process.
Despite a constant rollup for the first and second jabs at the Mossman Hospital, when it comes to the booster experts say we're failing in our duty to the Shire to help stop the spread of COVID.
During World War 2 there was a slogan which read 'We Want You', now in the battle against COVID it's a case of Mossman Hospital 'Wanting You' and Now!
Kelly Pollock from the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service says their data shows only 56 per cent of our eligible population has received their COVID booster.
Ms Pollock who is Director of the CHHHS COVID-19 Vaccine Program says there's been several people across our region hospitalised with severe symptoms of COVID-19, including, sadly, some who have died.
When Newsport visited Mossman Hospital it was evident the public is not taking full advantage of the opportunity to get the booster from hard working staff on duty ready to help.
But people who do turn up are very passionate about protecting themselves and their families from the killer virus.
Locals getting boosted
We caught up with three locals at the hospital who have made it a priority to get the booster.
Natalie Rogers, 36, from Port Douglas told us "I am getting the booster shot because I want the maximum protection from COVID, my father has a weakened immune system and has been told by his doctor that if he gets COVID he will die".
Ms Rogers went on to say 'I understand life gets in the way but here at the Mossman Hospital it's straight in, no queue, in and out and let's face it getting the booster is a small part out of your day, please get it done"
James Kelly, 60, who has a science degree and lives in the Daintree says "the science of immunisation backs up the need for not only the vaccine but the booster as well because each time you get vaccinated it challenges the immune system to create antibodies against the viral vector and with this virus mutating, two jabs might not be enough, hence the much needed booster
Gloria Ryan, 59, from Port Douglas told Newsport 'the reason for the slow response from the public might be of the number of jabs they now have to get after initially being told they only needed one, then it was two and now a booster, so they might be over the whole thing and becoming complacent, but as far as i'm concerned I'll have a fourth or a fifth if It's needed"
For those interested in getting their boosters, Mossman Hospital is located at 9 Hospital Street Mossman and is open for vaccinations and booster shots.
- Thursday 8.30am - 3.30pm
- Friday 8.30am - 3.30pm
- Saturday 8.30am - 3.30pm
Mossman Hospital vaccination centre is open to all ages from 5+. Bookings and walk-ins are available. Walk-ins must present one hour prior to clinic closure. Phone: (07) 4084 1200