Number: A25/2021
Date: 11 June 2021
I am pleased to announce the Australian Government is commencing roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine program to Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
Number: A25/2021
Date: 11 June 2021
I am pleased to announce the Australian Government is commencing roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine program to Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications is working with the Department of Health to finalise arrangements for the implementation of the COVID-19 vaccine program. This includes working with vaccine logistics partners to ensure cold chain management and secure supply.
First deliveries of the COVID vaccines to the Indian Ocean Territories (IOT) are anticipated to occur by the end of June. I will provide a further update on the roll-out dates in the next week.
There have been no positive cases in the IOT, but the roll-out of vaccines here is the next key aspect of our plan to keep the local communities safe and protect everyone from COVID-19.
The Pfizer vaccine will be made available for all in the IOT communities, across all age groups and categories, in recognition of our small populations and their remote nature.
The COVID vaccine rollout to the external territories, including Christmas and Cocos (Keeling) Islands, is occurring in line with the national protocols for coronavirus vaccination across Australia. We appreciate your patience while the roll-out to territories is undertaken.
The IOT Health Service will be coordinating the COVID vaccinations program and will also be providing further information on the vaccine and timing for appointments. When specific dates are confirmed, the health service will contact eligible residents by priority category to offer the opportunity to commence vaccination against COVID-19. If you have not used the health service since arriving at CI or CKI, or your contact details have changed, please make contact on the numbers below to register your details: Christmas Island: 9164 8333, West Island Clinic: 9162 6655, Home Island Clinic: 9162 7609.
I encourage all eligible people to roll up their sleeves for vaccination as we continue to work together to protect ourselves and our communities from COVID-19 and take this next important step on our road to recovery from the pandemic. There is a range of useful information and resources about the vaccination program at: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/collections/covid-19-vaccination-easy-read-resources
Natasha Griggs
Administrator of Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands