Mount Gambier’s community COVID-19 vaccination clinic is due to open in coming days.

The clinic will be located in the Mount Gambier Central shopping centre. The mid-May opening date was revealed following Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell asking a question in State Parliament earlier this week.

The clinic will be based in the Helen Street complex and will open with a capacity to vaccinate up to 1000 people per week. It will replace the current Mount Gambier Hospital one) and have Pfizer vaccines available.

The announcement followed Mr Bell urging the government to ensure Mount Gambier was a high priority for the state’s next vaccination hub. A spokesperson for the Limestone Coast Local Health Network could not confirm an official start date, but said plans were well under way.

“We are pleased to have delivered more than 3700 vaccinations to frontline healthcare workers and aged care residents at Mount Gambier Hospital’s COVID-19 vaccination hub,” the spokesperson said.

“In line with the national COVID19 vaccine rollout, we are continuing to vaccinate priority groups in Phase 1a and 1b to ensure we keep the community safe and protected. “We are continuing to plan for a community COVID-19 vaccination clinic at Mount Gambier in mid-May and we will keep the community updated with more details and information on how to book an appointment for vaccination.

“We are excited to take the next step in the rollout of the COVID19 vaccination program and determined to continue to deliver these vaccines in a safe and effective way.”

The spokesperson said people in Phase 2a of the national COVID-19 vaccine roll-out strategy were now eligible to get vaccinated. “People who meet the eligibility criteria can book an appointment to be vaccinated at GP Respiratory Clinics, GP clinics and Pangula Mannamurna in the Limestone Coast,” the spokesperson said.

“Vaccination bookings through the GP network are available at healthengine.com.au”.