General News
6 December, 2024
Residents urged to book shots
People of all ages can get their vaccines at the Central Goldfields Immunisation Centre without a referral from their General Practitioner (GP).
Booking in at your local GP can have long wait times, up to weeks if you’re able to book in at all, due to limited availability and high public demand. However, this doesn’t have to be the case when you’re trying to be vaccinated.
Coordinator immunisation services, Anthea Kofoed, encourages all locals to get in touch and take advantage of their little to no delay with bookings.
“We understand that in a few cases, people want to speak with their doctor before being immunised for some serious illnesses, but in the vast majority of cases, that’s not necessary,” she said.
Central Goldfields Shire mayor, Grace La Vella, is one of many who doesn’t wait for a GP appointment when qualified immunisation nurses can assess and protect her from these bugs so easily.
“I just book in on my smartphone, but you can always just call them on your home phone and make a time,” she said.
Ms Kofoed said they have good stocks of protective vaccines for the community including the elderly, children, and others who may be vulnerable.
“We encourage our local people to make contact with our Immunisation Centre for a chat — with an assurance that we don’t judge — we just want to keep people healthy,” she said.
“Of course, ensuring that young babies and toddlers are up to date with their immunisations has always been our staple, which is why we are housed in the Goldfields Children’s Centre, but these services are for everyone in the community.”
Booking in at the Central Goldfields Immunisation Centre helps share the load on the local health system. Local General Practitioner Dr Daniel De Villiers from the Clarendon Medical Centre encourages the community not to delay.
“Waiting times for GP appointments should not delay getting protection from serious common illnesses that can cause complications in our seniors’ community,” he said.
Appointments for the Goldfields Family Centre Immunisation Service can be booked online, or you can call 0428 894 724 and make an appointment before Christmas.