A mass vaccination hub will be up and running at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC) from Wednesday, the Queensland Government has announced.
The hub will be open seven days a week, from 8.30am until 4.30pm, with extended hours on Saturday 14 August.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said initially, 1000-1500 doses per day would be administered on site, with Queensland Health predicting that figure will quickly double to 3,000 by Saturday.
“Vaccinations are vital to ending this pandemic. I encourage all Queenslanders to register for a vaccination,” the Premier said.
While Queenslanders are encouraged to get vaccinations from their GPs and pharmacists, the establishment of a hub at BCEC will add to the state’s extensive program, she said.
“The Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre is a great venue. Having a hub here will make it quicker and easier for people to get vaccinated,” the Premier said.
“With great public transport and parking available for visitors, this centre will enable us to vaccinate thousands of Queenslanders more quickly and effectively.”
Free parking will be available for anyone receiving a vaccination at BCEC.
Health Minister Yvette D’Ath said the BCEC vaccination hub would take bookings only.
“No walk-ins will be allowed,” she said. “To register for a vaccination, I urge everyone to visit the Queensland Health website.
“From this week, we’ll also start vaccinating Queenslanders aged 16-59. If you’re aged under 60, now’s the time to register. Please book online.”
Currently, the BCEC hub is scheduled to operate until 9 October. The BCEC hub will deliver Pfizer vaccinations and second doses of AstraZeneca for those who have already had their first vaccination.
Ms D’Ath said with the opening of the BCEC hub, the Princess Alexandra and Mater South Bank facilities would close.
“The Queensland Children’s Hospital’s adult vaccination program will be diverted to the convention centre,” she said.
“This will enable the children’s hospital to focus on vaccinating eligible children.”
She said Queensland’s September supply of Pfizer vaccines had been brought forward to this month.
The Premier said an extra 112,000 extra Pfizer doses would be delivered to Queensland.
“This is a great help,” the Premier said. “It will help us to fast-track the rollout of Pfizer vaccinations over the next five weeks.”
To register for a vaccination, visit vaccinebookings.health.qld.gov.au/registerforvaccination/
