06 July 2021

Aboriginal community invited to roll up for WA

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout the Perth metropolitan area are encouraged to book their COVID-19 vaccination at the Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service Aboriginal Corporation (DYHSAC) this week.

WA Health has provided additional vaccines to the DYHSAC East Perth clinic for vaccinations to be rolled out during NAIDOC Week.

The increased number of vaccines is part of the WA Government’s Roll up for WA program, a state-wide campaign aimed at protecting WA communities from contracting COVID-19.

WA Chief Health Officer Dr Andrew Robertson said he urged anyone eligible for the Pfizer vaccine (Aboriginal people aged 16-59 years) to book their vaccination as soon as possible.

“It’s imperative we prioritise the vaccination of Aboriginal Australians and I urge people to take the opportunity when it’s offered,” he said.

“The threat of COVID-19 is very real, given a cluster in Sydney has resulted Perth’s latest lockdown.

“We are extremely lucky to have access to vaccines before the virus takes hold here in Australia.

“I urge Aboriginal members of the community to take advantage of this opportunity to be vaccinated now.”

The DYHSAC East Perth location will be open for COVID-19 vaccinations from Tuesday, 6 July, to Thursday, 8 July, from 9am-2pm. Bookings are essential and can be made by calling the clinic on 9421 3888.

DYHSAC has been operating for almost five decades and provides a range of health services to more than 18000 Aboriginal patients per annum. It is the largest Aboriginal community-controlled health service in WA.