Mareeba State High School students and staff can get vaccinated at school in a Queensland-first partnership with the local community pharmacy.
From October 15, students and staff will be able to receive the Moderna vaccine from pharmacists at Mareeba’s Wholelife Pharmacy and Healthfoods.
Vaccination programs are also being scheduled for Babinda State School, Malanda State High School and Tully State High School in conjunction with their local pharmacies
Cook MP Cynthia Lui said it made sense to offer COVID-19 vaccinations at school.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for Far North Queenslanders to get the jab and that includes our staff and young people at school,” Ms Lui said.
“I’m so pleased that Mareeba State High has been chosen as the first cab off the rank.
“It’s fantastic that we’ve kept COVID-19 out of our local community, but we can’t be complacent.
“The sooner Far North Queenslanders get vaccinated, the sooner we can begin navigating a pathway out of the pandemic.”
Education Minister Grace Grace said the FNQ COVID-19 School Vaccination Program is all about getting more people vaccinated.
“My message to Far North QLD students and staff is please don’t think twice about getting the vaccine,” she said.
“Every person who gets vaccinated helps decrease the spread of COVID-19 and protects their families, friends, and community.”
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s Queensland Branch President Chris Owen said thousands of doses of the Moderna vaccine will be administered in FNQ schools in the coming months as part of the school program. “Providing greater access to vaccination services for young Queenslanders has been a focus area for community pharmacies,” Mr Owen said.
“This innovative program empowers community pharmacists to deliver world-class primary health care to school-aged patients in a safe and accessible way”.
