Charlotte Varcoe
INFORMATION sessions for First Nations peoples will be held in Mount Gambier and Millicent over the coming weeks to increase their Covid-19 vaccination rate.
Pangula Mannamurna Aboriginal Health Organisation will host the information events in an attempt to alleviate fear of the vaccine.
According to the health organisation’s chief executive Andrew Birtwistle-Smith, 75 per cent of its clients are vaccinated including 25 per cent of children over the age of 11.
“We are wanting people to come in on the information dates and talk about vaccinations and some of the things that happen when people are vaccinated and about the different vaccinations available,” Mr Birtwistle-Smith said.
“We are also hoping to have people talk about their experiences in regards to symptoms they received when they were vaccinated but also what to do if someone tests positive and what they need to look out for.”
The chief executive said it was important for the organisation to do its part in eliminating fears surrounding the vaccine and ensure the community continues to have additional support.
“We do find there is a lot of misinformation about vaccines out there but now we are focusing on how to respond to that,” Mr Birtwistle-Smith said.
“There is a lot of misinformation online and on social media about the vaccinations from when it was unknown but I think Australia has done quite well when compared to other countries.”
He said the organisation’s clinic had a good uptake of vaccinations and was now moving forward to strengthen vaccination numbers and improve educational resources.
“This is to better support the surrounding First Nations community and get a better understanding of Covid and what it means for all of us,” Mr Birtwistle-Smith said.
“It is about supporting and protecting our community, especially our vulnerable people while also keeping our communities safe.”
In regards to booster vaccinations, the chief executive said the ongoing changes to eligibility caused confusion for clients with many eager to get the jab.
“We did have people calling us confused about the waiting times for their booster shots due to the changes,” Mr Birtwistle-Smith said.
“To assist with the oncoming demand we are looking at increasing the amount of days we have vaccinations available from one day a week to two and get people into the clinic as soon as they can to get their third dose.
“We are also looking at doing an after school vaccination period for students to get their vaccination levels up as well.”
The Mount Gambier information sessions will be held on April 6 with Millicent’s on April 7.
