Bowman MP Andrew Laming has called on Redlands residents to be vaccinated as soon as possible as the Queensland government announces new community hubs.
Mr Laming said locals over 50 should get the jab after he received his first vaccination last Friday.
"I encourage everyone who is holding back to do the right thing and help us raise COVID immunisation levels as fast as possible," Mr Laming said.
"Over 4500 general practices nationwide are accredited to offer the COVID jab, including around 35 practices across Redlands."
Mr Laming has strongly supported COVID vaccinations, including making it mandatory for quarantine and aged care workers.
"I also want to see international arrivals demonstrating they have received at least one injection before boarding a flight to Australia," Mr Laming said.
"We can't afford to have infected cases next door to unvaccinated residents in hotel quarantine. That seems to be what led to the Adelaide incident that precipitated the current Melbourne outbreak."
He said despite debate, both Phizer and AstraZeneca vaccines were effective.
"It is important to check a range of health issues with your GP. That is why if you need to go to a different practice, make sure you can provide a short health summary from your regular doctor," Mr Laming said.
"Like getting any needle, it is sensible to stick around for 15 minutes after the vaccination to ensure there are no reactions.
"Before anyone asks, I did suffer some cold-like symptoms which lasted for about 48 hours."
Community vaccination hubs will open across Queensland to help increase rates from July 14, but the state government is not saying if any will be in Redlands, Logan or the Scenic Rim.
A Queensland health spokesperson said the hubs would be open to frontline workers and the public for those 40 to 49 who are recommended to get the Pfizer vaccine.
The spokesperson said there had been an increase in the number of people being vaccinated since the latest Victorian outbreak. The increase was not quantified.
It comes as Australia has fallen from fifth to tenth on the global vaccination rankings, according to an analysis by Provocate, a business strategy and advisory firm.
The analysis showed vaccinations had increased by just 10,000 a day over the past month to 58,000.
Although an increase, it is a long way from the 200,000 daily vaccinations needed to meet the federal government's goal to complete the rollout by the end of 2021.
A University of New South Wales researcher has found social media may be affecting Australis's hesitancy to get vaccinated, with people more likely to share negative experiences with vaccines than positive ones.
Dr Kate Faasse said some social media users were exaggerating side effects, and believed an online campaign on the positives of vaccination could help.
"If people are willing to get the vaccine to protect themselves and their loved ones, then Australia can start to focus on life after this pandemic," she said.
Vaccination clinics are open to over 50s at the Redland Hospital from 8am-4pm, Wynnum Manly Community Health Centre from 8.30am-3.30pm, and the Logan Hospital clinic is open to all ages from 8am-4pm.
Queenslanders wanting to get vaccinations should book online or call 134 COVID.
The full list of COVID19 vaccination clinics is available here.
Emily Lowe
Redland City Bulletin journalist covering community, politics, crime and human interest stories. Griffith University Alumni.
Redland City Bulletin journalist covering community, politics, crime and human interest stories. Griffith University Alumni.
