As COVID-19 restrictions lift, health experts warn virus ‘will come’ to Kimberley

As COVID-19 vaccination rates climb across WA and border restrictions begin to lift, health professionals warn the virus “will come” to the Kimberley, saying getting vaccinated against the virus is of critical importance. Federal Department of Health data revealed as of November 18, 80.3 per cent of Broome’s population had received their first dose of a vaccine, and 67.2 per cent had had a second dose. The results were bolstered by efforts from Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services, which has hosted three Broome “vaxathons” at Goolarri Media this year. KAMS data revealed 1199 doses were administered across two days at Vaxathon I in September, and 1053 doses were administered across two days at Vaxathon II in October, with 375 first doses and 678 second doses given. Some 282 doses were delivered at Vaxathon III in November — 122 first doses, 159 second doses, and one third dose. KAMS medical director Lorraine Anderson said getting vaccinated was of critical importance. “As we’ve seen in the NT and other States, the Delta strain can be so easily transmitted, that it is crucial that everyone in the Kimberley eligible for vaccination does so — regardless of when restrictions are scheduled to lift,” she said. “COVID-19 will come to the Kimberley, and we need to be ready for it. I’d encourage anyone that is not already fully vaccinated to do so as soon as possible. “There continues to be a lot of misinformation around on social media. “If you have questions or concerns about COVID-19 vaccines, please talk to a medical professional such as a GP or health worker.” As of November 21, KAMS data revealed the Mulan community had 66 people fully vaccinated, while Balgo had 209, and Billiluna had 55. The State Government last week launched a five-week Keeping Culture Safe and Strong program to boost lagging vaccine rates among WA’s Aboriginal communities, where one third of people aged 15 and over are fully vaccinated. The campaign will include a range of in-reach programs including house-to-house vaccine visits, which have been offered in Derby from Tuesday. WA Premier Mark McGowan said it was inevitable COVID-19 would enter WA when borders re-opened. “We need to get more regional people vaccinated as soon as possible, especially Aboriginal people in Aboriginal communities,” he said. “This is about doing more education, more innovative ways to get Aboriginal people vaccinated as quickly as possible.” The campaign hopes to replicate the success in places such as Beagle Bay, the first remote community in WA to roll out COVID-19 vaccines, where more than 90 per cent of eligible residents are now fully vaccinated. Beagle Bay vaccination clinic staff believed fewer than 12 eligible people remained unvaccinated in the community, with KAMS having distributed 610 vaccines through the local clinic. Across the Kimberley as of November 23, there had been 35,120 doses administered, with 73.4 per cent of the eligible population over 12 fully vaccinated in WA.