A new mobile van delivering COVID-19 vaccinations around the Northern Rivers is on its way to Goonellabah over the next three weeks.

The not-for-profit organisation Social Futures has made its outreach van available to the Northern NSW Local Health District, with the aim to make it easier for people to get vaccinated. 

Social Futures CEO Tony Davies said the van has been converted into an outreach vaccination clinic.

“Everyone aged 12 and over is welcome to come and get vaccinated at this outreach clinic, and we are hoping that people who haven’t had the opportunity to get to another clinic or their GP can get to us,” Mr Davies said.  

“We’ve been working with the Northern NSW Local Health District to find the right locations for the van, we’ve also talked to community housing providers and local councils to identify accessible locations that are convenient to walk to and highly visible to the community.” 

Northern NSW Local Health District vaccination program coordinator Matt Long said the mobile van will offer the Pfizer vaccine, and people do not need to book. 

“We are going to some residential areas, and other key locations which may not have had easy access to a vaccination clinic as yet,” Mr Long said. 

“We want to make it easy for people to get the vaccine – no booking required – just turn up and get vaccinated.”  

Mr Long said health staff would be available to answer questions about the vaccination process.

“The nurse immunisers have been providing COVID-19 vaccines for months now, and they will be happy to talk with people about the efficacy and benefits of vaccination against the COVID-19 virus. Our staff are here to provide advice and answer any questions.” 

Residents are encouraged to bring their Medicare Card, if they have one.