More than 50 people were immunised against COVID-19 recently when pop-up vaccination clinics were held to ensure people experiencing or at risk of homelessness did not miss out on the statewide roll-out of the vaccine.
Country not-for-profit organisation ac.care partnered with Country SA PHN to hold pop-up vaccination clinics at its regional sites, including the Mount Gambier Community Centre.
While the clinics were held to support clients of ac.care’s programs, including its regional homelessness services, the service was also made available to anyone in the regions.
Staff also made use of the opportunity to ensure they were vaccinated to protect themselves, clients and the broader community ahead of the looming opening of state borders and visitors on the day were invited to roll up their sleeves and receive the vaccine.
ac.care homelessness and community services senior manager Trish Spark said it was one way ac.care was contributing to ensuring all South Australians, especially vulnerable people in country areas, had access to the vaccine.
“Our community spaces are places where vulnerable people feel welcome and supported after many have been affected by past trauma or discrimination and reached out for our support to build a better future,” Ms Spark said.
“We understand the importance of ensuring all sectors of the community have access to the vaccine and partnered with Country SA PHN to provide pop-up clinics in our centres so our clients could obtain the vaccine in a place where they felt safe and supported so they were not at risk of missing out on the roll-out.”
Ms Spark said this not only benefited vulnerable South Australians, but also the broader community to help in the state-wide push to lift vaccination rates as a step towards easing restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The Pfizer vaccine was provided at no cost through the clinics, with sessions also scheduled for Berri and Murray Bridge and a second round of pop-up clinics to be held later this month and early December.
Call 1300 accare (1300 222 273) for more information or to book an appointment for the upcoming vaccination clinics.
