The dedicated COVID-19 vaccination van will be at Mossman Hospital this week.

On Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 May the van, dubbed COVan, will be open to members of the general public who are:

• over the age of 50 and
• in Phase 1a and 1b

Check your eligibility at www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines

Book an appointment by calling 1800 861 863 or register online here.

People aged between 40 and 49 years can also register their interest in being vaccinated here. 

The van will return to Mossman hospital on 19 August, and will also be in Cow Bay 28-29 September.

Two local GP clinics, Mossman Medical Centre and Mountain View Medical Centre, are also participating in the ongoing vaccine roll out and eligible people can also book a vaccination with them. 

The Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service is using a motorhome, which has been fitted out with specialised equipment, to vaccinate up to 150 people per day while it tours rural and remote parts of the Far North.

The vehicle will be touring communities to provide COVID-19 protection in the Gulf Savanna, Daintree, and western Tablelands regions during the next couple of months.

It will be delivering the COVID-19 vaccine to staff at the Health Service’s rural and remote clinics, and eligible community members.

CHHHS Senior Registrar Dr Lachlan Gordon said a team of up to six staff members, including a doctor, nurses, pharmacist and administration officer would be travelling onboard the COVan to each scheduled destination.

“Our immunisation team will visit certain communities in a scheduled rotation to deliver the two doses required, to ensure everyone has access to the vaccine.”

CHHHS executive director of rural and remote services, Tracey Morgan, said “vaccination can save thousands, if not millions of lives and the COVID-19 vaccine is still the best way to protect against this severe disease.

“When Australia’s international borders re-open, it is vital that our region – with its International Airport and dependence on tourism, agriculture and mining – that our community is protected.”