Thousands of vaccine doses have been administered through the ACT government's targeted vaccine equity programs with work continuing to ensure certain groups in the community have the opportunity to get the jab.
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Meanwhile, there have been close to 8000 booster shots delivered in the ACT since the program started to roll out last week. It came as Chief Minister Andrew Barr issued a plea to Canberrans to get their booster shots as soon as they are eligible so that the population is protected in time for next winter.
The ACT government started pop-up vaccine clinics last month in an attempt to reach groups where there was lower-than-average uptake. There have been pop-up clinics in Gungahlin, Lanyon, Harrison, Kambah, Amaroo, Holt and Chisholm.
The pop-up clinics have been managed by ACT Health with Aspen Medical and Canberra Health Services.
Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith told the Assembly on Tuesday that Aspen Medical had delivered 1693 vaccine dose to marginalised and hard-to-reach community members and Canberra Health Services had administered 1470 doses through its pop-up clinics.
"Vaccination opportunities were targeted to people from culturally and linguistically diverse background, people living with disability (and their family and carers), LGBTIQ+ community members and people living in insecure accommodation," Ms Stephen-Smith said.
An ACT government spokeswoman said the program would continue over the coming weeks.
"Targeted pop-up clinics are an important part of the ACT government's equity to access program, which aims to provide easier access to vaccinations for people who might otherwise find it difficult to get them," the spokeswoman said.
"Pop-up clinics allow us to provide targeted vaccination opportunities to groups that might find it more challenging, or are less comfortable, to attend a mass vaccination clinic, GP or pharmacist."
It was also revealed that about 2 per cent of Canberra's eligible population have received their booster shot, with more than about 7600 third doses administered across the territory.
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Most Canberrans won't be eligible for their booster shots until 2022 and Mr Barr said it would be crucial for people to get their top-up jabs before winter.
"My call to arms for Canberrans is to get your booster shot before next winter," he said.
"We want as many Canberrans as possible to have had that booster dose by the time we get into winter 2022.
"What we have learnt over the last couple of year is the virus circulates more in winter than it does in summer that's largely because we spend more times indoors."
Booster shots are administered at least six months after a person has received their second COVID-19 vaccine dose.
Research commissioned by the ACT government found a targeted campaign may be needed for booster shots to ensure those who got reluctantly vaccinated come forward for their top-up shot.
Emerging research has also found booster shots will be crucial in areas, such as Canberra, where there has been a low infection rate.
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