Queues to access Wollongong Vaccination Centre crept down Crown Street Mall this morning as the hub attempted to cope with high demand and furloughed staff.
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People with booked appointments told the Mercury they had been waiting for 30 minutes to get to the entrance of the former David Jones building.
While those stood in line without an appointment were told the centre was 'at capacity'.
A spokesperson from the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District said the vaccination centre has the capacity to vaccinate 2500 people a day but the ability to vaccinate walk-ins today was limited due to furloughed staff.
"The ability to facilitate walk-in appointments today however, has been temporarily affected by the furloughed vaccination staff, but all walk-ins have been offered a booking for another day," they said.
"The LHD thanks the local community for continuing to come forward for their booster vaccines, but asks those attending to be mindful that our staff are doing the best they can in challenging circumstances and aggressive behaviour is not helpful to anyone."
It comes as the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District recorded another 525 COVID-19 cases overnight.
John Driscoll, 74, from Mangerton was one of the people waiting in line. He said he'd decided to get his booster shot. "There has been months of publicity about this. It is better being fully vaccinated. It helps protect yourself and others," he said.
Phil Salomon joined the queue near Specsavers and said: "We have been told it is only a 30 minute wait but that is ok. I do think it is poorly organised."
While Kim Davis from Thirroul said she was caught out by the queues: "My appointment is at 10.30am. I have no choice but to wait. I only booked parking for an hour as I thought it only takes an hour. The queues is moving but it's wrapped around the block.
The LHD said the centre is taking 200 bookings for vaccinations every hour
"It should be noted that ISLHD is only responsible for about one-third of the vaccine roll-out in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven regions offering support to the Commonwealth-run program," the spokesperson added.
"The community can receive booster vaccinations through the GP network and other providers such as pharmacies."
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Gayle Tomlinson
Editor of the Illawarra Mercury. Scottish but fell in love with Dharawal Land. Send us your feedback and questions. Subscribe so we can continue to speak up for the Illawarra.
Editor of the Illawarra Mercury. Scottish but fell in love with Dharawal Land. Send us your feedback and questions. Subscribe so we can continue to speak up for the Illawarra.
