Canberra's newest COVID-19 vaccination hub has been in such strong demand that its capacity has increased just two days after it opened.
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The vaccination hub opened at Calvary Public Hospital Bruce on Monday, and was initially slated to deliver between 600 and 800 AstraZeneca vaccines per week to people over the age of 50.
ACT health authorities confirmed on Tuesday appointments there had been booked out until mid-next week. More than 1600 booked in on Monday to get the jab either at Calvary or at the Garran Surge Centre, and nearly 1700 people booked in on Tuesday.
Territory Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith on Wednesday announced the capacity of the Calvary clinic had been increased by up to 200 appointments a day, to up to 1000 a week "dependent on supply and appointments".
That meant there would be some new appointments available at the Calvary clinic before mid-next week.
"The Calvary Public Hospital COVID-19 vaccination clinic supplements the Commonwealth government's AstraZeneca program, being delivered through general practices in the ACT," the minister said.
"People who are 50 years or over are encouraged to contact a participating [general practice] or Commonwealth-funded GP respiratory clinics or to book an appointment at the Calvary COVID-19 vaccination clinic."
The opening of the Calvary clinic on Monday coincided with the launch of the ACT's new My Digital Health Record portal, which Canberrans could use to book vaccinations at the Garran Surge Centre, or Calvary if they were over 50.
Of the nearly 1700 people who booked in for a jab on Tuesday, nearly 930 signed up to the portal and booked online, while nearly 770 went through the vaccination phone line to book.
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A design feature of the new portal meant people who hadn't visited an ACT public health facility using their current Medicare card details couldn't immediately sign up and book online.
Instead, they had to book through the vaccination phone line to set up their patient record in the system. They could later access the online portal.
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Cassandra Morgan
It has never been more important for Canberrans to be able to access reliable and accurate information about health. As The Canberra Times’ health reporter, I am committed to ensuring our readers have access to this. I, like many in the territory, have family members who work in the sector. Although providing comprehensive coverage on the coronavirus pandemic is obviously my number one priority, I aim to frequently shed light on the fantastic work our frontline professionals do, as well as the challenges they face. Email me tips and story ideas at: c.morgan@canberratimes.com.au.
It has never been more important for Canberrans to be able to access reliable and accurate information about health. As The Canberra Times’ health reporter, I am committed to ensuring our readers have access to this. I, like many in the territory, have family members who work in the sector. Although providing comprehensive coverage on the coronavirus pandemic is obviously my number one priority, I aim to frequently shed light on the fantastic work our frontline professionals do, as well as the challenges they face. Email me tips and story ideas at: c.morgan@canberratimes.com.au.
