Time for all Queenslanders to have jab

AMA Queensland has issued an open letter to all Queenslanders, warning that a COVID-19 outbreak is inevitable and urging them to get vaccinated now before it is too late.

With the highly contagious Delta strain now in Lismore in northern New South Wales, it is not a matter of if but when the virus re-emerges in Queensland.

Dr Maria Boulton, chair of AMA Queensland’s Council of General Practice, said Queenslanders had been amazing in the way they had reacted to COVID-19.

“Without your patience, your understanding, your preparedness to obey public health directives, and your desire to get vaccinated, Queensland would already be in the same situation as other states,” Dr Boulton, a GP in Brisbane who vaccinates 500 patients against COVID every week, wrote.

“However, now we need you to do more. We need you to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Now that we have supply of Pfizer and AstraZeneca, it is time for all Queenslanders over the age of 12 to roll up their sleeves and get their jabs.

“We have a small window of opportunity. The Delta strain is coming, and our best defence is to keep it as controlled as possible. We expect all Queenslanders to be exposed to COVID-19 in coming months.”

Dr Boulton said the health system is as prepared as possible, but the vaccination rate will be critical in keeping hospitals clear to care for COVID patients and other Queenslanders who need health care.

“Every single day that we manage to keep COVID suppressed and controlled in the community gives more than 30,000 Queenslanders the opportunity to be vaccinated,” Dr Boulton said.

“The AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have demonstrated the same level of protection against severe disease, including protection against hospital admission, the need for intensive care and death. 

“We understand that you have a choice. Please do not throw this opportunity away. There is an absolute urgency to being fully vaccinated.

“We are pleading with you. We do not want you to wait. There is no time for delay.

“Keep yourselves safe, keep your families safe, help us protect ourselves and our families as we continue to strive to care for you and yours.”

The open letter can be read here.