Rollout of COVID-19 Vaccination Assistance Program for South Australian Chinese Community
Over the past couple of months, South Australia has faced another wave of the pandemic, effectively nipping it in the bud. However, the situation across Australia is alarmingly serious, with community cases soaring in New South Wales and significant cases also emerging in Victoria, the Northern Territory, and other areas, prompting consecutive lockdowns in various states.
At the volunteer appreciation gathering held by the South Australian Mutual Aid Group at the end of June, Professor Nicola Spurrier, the Chief Public Health Officer of South Australia, expressed significant concern about the pandemic’s trajectory. She repeatedly emphasised the importance and necessity of COVID-19 vaccination, highlighting the urgency felt by everyone to get vaccinated.
In the situation where the COVID-19 virus may persist long-term, increasing vaccination rates will be the most effective measure to reduce severe cases and mortality, curb the worsening of the pandemic, and restore orderly living.
Recently, with New South Wales reporting daily cases exceeding a thousand, Australian Prime Minister Morrison has clearly stated that achieving zero cases in Australia is unlikely. We will have to coexist with this virus; Australia will lift lockdowns and reopen once a 70% full vaccination rate is reached. According to this statement, once the community opens up, those who choose not to get vaccinated will face higher health risks.
It’s clear that vaccination is imminent. Let’s hope our Chinese community can approach it with a scientific, rational mindset and make the right decision.全民
抗疫
The South Australian government is introducing new policies to boost up vaccination rates. While many members of the Chinese community have received their vaccine doses, it has brought to light some challenges. Specifically, elderly individuals in the Chinese community require urgent assistance with English and transportation when it comes to booking and receiving their vaccines.
Recognizing these challenges, Tong De Association, as a charitable organisation, has taken swift action. In collaboration with the South Australian Chinese COVID-19 Mutual Aid Group, they have launched the “COVID-19 Vaccine Assistance Project.” This initiative aims to offer support to Chinese community members who face difficulties in English communication and transportation during the COVID-19 vaccine administration process.
Recently, the management team of the COVID-19 Mutual Aid Group has completed the recruitment of volunteers. On the afternoon of August 29th, Dr. Cleo Cheng from Pro Health Care Midwest Clinic led her medical team to provide training for the volunteers.
Dr. Cleo provided detailed explanations on the current COVID-19 vaccination process in South Australia, types of vaccines and their differences, eligible populations, appointment methods, required documents, and consent form completion. A simulation demonstration of the vaccination process was conducted to illustrate the procedure clearly. During the final Q&A session, clear answers were provided to address everyone’s concerns.
Dr. Cleo’s explanations were clear, vivid, and easy to understand, leaving a profound impact on the volunteers attending the training. Additionally, Dr. Cleo proposed the idea of arranging a Chinese community vaccination day at the clinic, which opened up new possibilities for the assistance project and effectively supported the vaccination efforts within the Chinese community.抗疫
Vaccination Assistance Services:
Individual Assistance: Assisting with scheduling vaccination appointments; arranging transportation; helping with consent forms; providing translation throughout the process.
Vaccination Day: If you haven’t scheduled a vaccination appointment yet, you can sign up for the group vaccination day event organised by Tong De Association and Pro Health Care Midwest Clinic. The event will take place on September 25th (Saturday) at the Pro Health Care Midwest Clinic (Address: 678 Port Road, Beverley SA 5009). The clinic will provide either Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccines based on the vaccine eligibility criteria of the recipients, with full Chinese-language service.
Application Process: If you want to get the COVID-19 vaccine; if you are over 55 years old; if you don’t speak English; if you have transportation difficulties; if your residence is within 20 kilometres of the city centre; or if you encounter other practical difficulties during the vaccination process, you can choose the “Individual Assistance” method. If you haven’t scheduled an appointment yet, you can choose to participate in the “Vaccination Day” event.
How to Apply for Assistance?
Chinese individuals in need of assistance can contact the administrators of the COVID-19 Mutual Aid Group to inquire and obtain the application form. Once the management team receives the application, they will review and assess the information provided on the form, and then make appropriate assistance arrangements accordingly.
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 老蔡 |
 Lydia |
As this assistance program is in its initial stages, we welcome you to reach out to us and share your needs. We will do our utmost to assist you with your vaccination needs, ensuring a safer and more secure future for you.
全民
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