By Raquel Mustillo
MEMBER for Barker Tony Pasin says he is “at a loss” to explain the discrepancy in double dose vaccination rates in the Grant District Council and neighbouring local government areas.
But the Liberal MP said it “certainly can not be a product of supply constraints”, with vaccines available at 29 locations across the Limestone Coast.
Figures released by the Federal Government show just 6.7pc of Grant District Council residents have received two doses of a Covid vaccine, compared to 33.1pc in Mount Gambier City Council and 33.6pc of Wattle Range Council residents.
Victoria’s Glenelg Shire Council – which borders Grant District Council is currently at 41.9pc.
“Given the intertwined nature and close proximity of these communities to each other I am at a loss to explain this discrepancy,” Mr Pasin said.
“The Federal Government is continuing to ensure the supply of vaccines meets demand.
“In fact, the most recent vaccine agreements struck with the UK and Singapore takes our total supply of Pfizer alone available for distribution this month to more than nine million doses.”
Mr Pasin said a number of sites, including GP clinics, pharmacies, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and state-run vaccination clinics are providing the free vaccine to residents.
One site within the Grant District Council area is providing vaccines, with the Port MacDonnell pharmacy administering AstraZeneca to individuals.
Grant District chief executive Darryl Whicker said council has supported the Covid-19 vaccination rollout and has promoted the regional vaccination clinics and online booking website through its Facebook page.
“Council has also supported broader Covid safety and encourages residents from the District Council of Grant to book in for their Covid-19 vaccination,” Mr Whicker said.
“Any comments regarding the operational aspects of the Covid-19 vaccination program should be directed to the Federal Member for Barker as this is a Federal Government matter.”
