The AIS Arena COVID-19 Mass Vaccination Clinic will close today after helping to make Canberra one of the most vaccinated cities in the world.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr said he is proud of the clinical and operational staff who played a pivotal role in the ACT Government’s response to the pandemic.
“Thanks also to the Canberra community who rolled up their sleeves in record numbers to get vaccinated,” Chief Minister Barr said.
“This has been an incredible team effort in our fight against COVID-19. Our Territory’s high vaccination rate has helped to slow the spread of the coronavirus – saving many lives – and meant that many of us have been able to return to the day-to-day activities we enjoy.
Since opening in September 2021, the AIS COVID-19 Mass Vaccination Clinic:
- Administered more than 288,000 COVID-19 vaccinations
- Administered nearly 24,000 doses during its busiest week
- Employed around 110 nurses a day, seven days a week at its peak
- Vaccinated more than 3,000 people a day during its busiest weeks
“Nurses were so efficient at talking with patients, health screening and giving vaccinations, they could complete the entire process in 5 minutes,” Chief Minister Barr said.
“Due to our record vaccination rates and current low demand, many of the nurses can now be redeployed to other roles across our health system.”
More than 97 per cent of eligible Canberrans aged five and over have received two vaccine doses and nearly 78 per cent of those aged 16 and over have received three doses.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith congratulated everyone who contributed to the clinic’s historic achievements.
“Thanks to the team members at Central Health Intake and the ACT Health Directorate who efficiently managed patient bookings and data,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
“Thanks also to the infrastructure team who transformed the AIS Arena from a sporting and entertainment venue into a clinical space in a matter of days last year.”
Minister Stephen-Smith said any eligible Canberrans should take up their fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose following last week’s updated advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI).
“I strongly encourage those Canberrans to contact their GP or pharmacy to book an appointment for their free fourth dose – and I encourage everyone to book in for a flu jab if they haven’t already had one.
“It’s important to remember that the pandemic isn’t over. We must remain vigilant and practise COVID smart behaviours.”
