With the COVID-19 Delta variant circulating across Australia, Queenslanders are strongly encouraged to register for vaccination and undergo testing if they experience any COVID-19 symptoms.
Acting Health Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said it was vital to detect any positive cases in the community as quickly as possible.
“Please come forward for testing immediately if you’ve been to any of the potential exposure sites at the relevant times, or if you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms,” Minister Hinchliffe said.
“I know it’s cold and flu season, and you may think a runny nose or a sore throat is just a cold but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Detecting positive cases as soon as they arise is key to limiting the spread of COVID-19 in Queensland.”
The government encourages Queenslanders to get tested as soon as possible even if they only experience mild symptoms of COVID-19. Isolation after testing is also encouraged until negative results have been received.
“There are dozens of testing sites across Queensland. Go onto our website to find your nearest COVID-19 testing centre.”
Minister Hinchliffe said the Queensland Government is continuing to expand its vaccination sites, with a new vaccination hub scheduled to come online in Gympie next week. The said vaccination site will remain open until the end of October. Bookings are essential in order to receive the vaccine.
“Please be patient – anyone who wants to be vaccinated will be vaccinated. If you have already booked an appointment, it’s really important that you show up for it,” Minister Hinchliffe said.
“I thank everyone who has come forward to get vaccinated. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and limit any community spread of COVID-19.”
Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young reminded people that they needed to get two doses of the vaccine for maximum immunity.
“To get the full benefit of the vaccine you will need two injections,” Dr Young said.
“Remember to book your second dose appointment before leaving your first dose appointment.”
The second dose of the Pfizer vaccine is recommended to be administered as close to 21 to 42 days after the first vaccination while the second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine should be administered approximately 28 days to 90 days from the first vaccination.
The following people can register their interest for a COVID-19 vaccination appointment at a Queensland Health vaccination location:
- All healthcare workers and aged care and disability care workers, regardless of age
- Quarantine and border workers, regardless of age
- People aged 16 and over with an underlying medical condition or significant disability
- Critical and high-risk workers e.g. emergency services
- All people aged 40-59 years
- All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people aged 16-59
- Household contacts of quarantine, border and healthcare workers who are at higher risk of having contact with COVID-19 positive patients
Queenslanders need to receive a link via email to be able to book an appointment. To find the nearest testing clinic, visit the Queensland Government’s website.