More pop up clinics will soon be opening in parts of North Queensland as part of the Palaszczuk government's push to get Queenslanders vaccinated before Christmas.
Premier Anastasia Palaszczuk, who is currently in Townsville touring the state as part of the government's vax-a-thon week, is encouraging North Queenslanders to get vaccinated and protect themselves against COVID-19.
"This week we released our roadmap to reopening and we don't want North Queenslanders to get left behind," she said.
More vaccination clinics will be issued in places like Charters Towers, Townsville and Cairns to improve access for residents in those areas.
According to latest vaccination numbers, Charters Towers Region is one of the lowest vaccinated local government areas in Queensland, with only 56 per cent of eligible residents having received their first jab.
Charters Towers mayor Frank Beveridge is urging residents to get vaccinated.
"I want to urge the community to go and get their COVID vaccination," he said.
"With plans to reopen the Queensland/New South Wales border, we want to ensure all residents are prepared in the event we see a rise in COVID cases.
"For us to move forward and come out of this pandemic, we need as many people as possible to get vaccinated."
The Queensland government has released its COVID-19 Vaccine Plan which details changes to domestic and international travel to Queensland when vaccination numbers reach 70pc, 80pc and 90pc of eligible people.
Mr Beveridge said if vaccination numbers don't increase, the Charters Towers region may be declared as a hotspot which could potentially mean restrictions for the region.
"We have a walk-in vaccination clinic happening again next week. You don't need an appointment. It's for everyone 12 years and older," he said.
Townsville residents will also be able to get their COVID jab at new locations across the city, with seven new pop-up clinics opening soon.
"This is a critical time, we can't keep delta out forever and with the borders reopening in December, we need everyone to get vaccinated now to make sure they are fully protected when they do open," Ms Palaszczuk said.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D'Ath said the Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service would be reopening its popular mass vaccination hub at the Cairns Convention Centre, 7 days a week, commencing on Thursday, October 21.
"Make it your priority to come forward and get vaccinated if you haven't already," said Minister D'Ath.
"It's really important that you get vaccinated before our wet season arrives, and to help lift our statewide vaccination rate before the borders open."
Member for Cairns, Michael Healy, said that vaccination efforts in the far north had been targeted to where locals live, work and play.
"This weekend, there is a pop-up clinic provided by the Commonwealth at the Grass Is Greener music festival; and there will be another one at the Tablelands Folk Festival in Yungaburra," he said.
"On top of that, you can always visit the Queensland Health hubs at Smithfield (JCU) or the Cairns South Health Facility, or speak with your local GP or community pharmacy - there are plenty of options to get vaccinated now."
Ms D'Ath said the sooner people are vaccinated, the sooner things can get back to normal.
For further information on vaccinations and COVID information visit the Queensland Health Website.
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