After delivering 80,029 doses, the Toowoomba COVID-19 vaccination centre is set to close on 14 April 2022.
Operating at its current location since 13 September 2021, the clinic has been a vital part of Darling Downs Health’s COVID-19 response.
Darling Downs Health Acting Chief Executive Shirley-Anne Gardiner said the success of the clinic demonstrated how health services can quickly respond to emerging situations.
“The Toowoomba vaccination clinic was a purpose-built facility which allowed us to provide care and protection to the community during an unprecedented time.
“I’m incredibly proud of how quickly our team at Darling Downs Health put this centre together. It was a real testament of our ability to respond to the emerging situation.”
Acting Executive Lead, Health Emergency Operation Centre Michelle Forrest congratulated all of the residents who came forward to receive their vaccination.
“We saw a great response from the Toowoomba community. Members of the public were provided an incredible opportunity to get vaccinated and we were really encouraged by the response we received with 96% of residents in our health service area aged 16 and over having now received at least two doses of the vaccine.
“The clinic was always going to reach a point where it had served its purpose. It provided the opportunity for people to get vaccinated, in a convenient location, and it has done that now. The vaccine will still be readily available in different community settings including pop up and outreach vaccination clinics, and we’re looking forward to having our staff return to other roles across our health service.”
While the vaccine centre is set to close, Matt Boyd, the COVID-19 vaccination program lead said there was still time to visit the centre and get vaccinated.
“Whether you are yet to receive your first, second or booster shot, there is still a little bit of time left to visit our centre and get vaccinated.
“These vaccines are a great way to protect yourself, your loved ones and your family and friends from COVID-19.”
Ms Gardiner also used the closing of this site as an opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to the dozens of health care staff who provided services at the clinic.
“Regularly, we would receive glowing feedback from the community about our vaccination staff,” Ms Gardiner said.
“They were praised for their professionalism, kindness and compassion in what was often a very busy environment.
“On behalf of our executive team, Board members and broader community, I would like to pass on my sincere thanks to all our staff who contributed to the success of this community clinic.”
Ahead of the 14 April closure, the clinic will remain open 7 days a week 830am – 4pm. No bookings are required.