Gippsland › Latest news › East Gippsland Local News
East Gippsland's three hospitals and council urge people to get vaccinated in the fight against COVID-19
Council encouraging everyone in the community to get vaccinated.
East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor Cr Mendy Urie has joined with the leaders of East Gippsland's three hospitals - Bairnsdale, Orbost and Omeo - to urge people to get vaccinated in the fight against COVID-19.
Many vaccination centres are available for walk ins for aged care and disability workers, but bookings are preferred
Roll up your sleeves
Cr Urie said, "The message from us all is simple: when it's your turn to get vaccinated, roll up your sleeves and do your part for our community, getting vaccinated is one of the most important things we can do for the health of our community, so please don't hesitate. I applaud everyone who has answered the call so far, and to all health workers who are proactively supporting our community."
"Our community is great at supporting one another. Here's our most important opportunity to demonstrate that we're all in this together. We have all experienced the challenges that tough restrictions and lockdowns impose on our way of life. Getting vaccinated is a critical step in helping us move away from lockdowns and into a COVID normal without this disruption to our daily lives."
Keeping everyone healthy
Robyn Hayles, Chief Executive Officer at Bairnsdale Regional Health Service, said all staff at BRHS and healthcare workers across East Gippsland have been working flat out over the past year to keep everyone healthy and prevent COVID from devastating the community.
Ms Hayles said, "Compared to some communities, and other countries, we have been lucky. Now we need you to pitch in and do your part - as soon as you are eligible, please get your COVID vaccination. There are a number of locations in this area providing vaccines. Go online or talk to your GP, book a date and get it done.
"It is such a small inconvenience, but it is an act of great generosity and community spirit. By getting vaccinated you are doing something important to help protect this community. We have two options if we want to keep this community safe from this deadly disease. One is a continuing cycle of lockdowns and restrictions. The other is for the majority of the population to get vaccinated. If you are eligible, please go and get it done."
Standing together as a community
Vicki Farthing, Chief Executive Officer at Orbost Regional Health, said communities in East Gippsland care about families, lifestyle and their environment. "We all want those closest to us to be safe and well and to have the freedom to enjoy this beautiful part of the world that we live in and to share it with others not lucky enough to live here."
"We stand together as a community through bushfires and floods. The COVID-19 pandemic is no different, we need to stand together as a community and encourage our families, our friends and our neighbours to get vaccinated so that we can have the freedom to participate in activities that we want to do and keep our region strong, socially and economically," Ms Farthing said.
Best protection for rural community
Associate Professor Arish Naresh, Chief Executive Officer at Omeo District Health, said rural and regional hospitals are not set up adequately to care for people suffering from COVID-19.
A/Prof Naresh said, "Therefore, the best protection for our rural communities is for people to get vaccinated with a safe, effective and free COVID-19 vaccine. Do it for your loved ones, your community and ultimately for your country. This is our own version of the Olympics, but the podium finish here is to achieve herd immunity."
Ticket to achieve
Cr Urie said the community has much to gain from a strong vaccination turnout. "Being able to hold and attend events, participate in community sports with crowds attending, and have some certainty around our businesses remaining open - it's what we all want."
"These activities are great for our social connections and to support one another. We haven't had the easiest of rides in the past couple of years, so being able to gather, play, create, laugh and cry together is important. A high vaccination rate against COVID-19 is our ticket to achieve this." Cr Urie said.
Information and updates on vaccines
Information about how to book your COVID-19 vaccine appointment can be found at Bairnsdale City Oval.
For COVID-19 Community Vaccination Clinic (Bairnsdale City Oval) information please visit vaccination centres.
Pictures from Bairnsdale Regional Health Service (BRHS).
Source: http://gippsland.com/
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Latest News
East Gippsland Shire Council highlights telecommunications infrastructure when advocating over thirty goals for community resilience and developmentRussell Broadbent addresses nationwide Covid injustices-rights breaches, lockdowns, mandates and waste of $577B on vaccine and tests
Students from Orbost Community College tour East Gippsland Water facilities to learn about water safety, filtration and potential careers
Drouin wastewater treatment plant instals Australia's largest floating solar array of 644 panels as part of Gippsland Water renewable energy plan
Gippsland Water aids Wellington Mint-bush conservation through genetic research to increasing numbers and diversity
Latrobe City Council launches 'International Connections' book to celebrate 20-year anniversary of sister city agreements
Metung Bowls Club celebrates green upgrade with $200,000 grant from Sport and Recreation Victoria on 14 April 2024
Community feedback needed for Baw Baw Shire draft 2024/25 Budget by 8 May 2024
Community feedback wanted on South Gippsland Shire Council draft 2024/25 Budget by 5 May 2024
Important swimming services continue through winter in Wellington Shire at West Sale Pool such as lap swimming and hydrotherapy