Pilbara COVID-19 vaccination blitz begins in Tom Price, Paraburdoo

MELBOURNE, Australia--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rio Tinto’s partnership with the Western Australian Government to deliver a COVID-19 vaccination blitz in the Pilbara is underway, with bookings now open for clinics in Tom Price and Paraburdoo.

In partnership with the WA Department of Health and the Shire of Ashburton, appointments are now available at the Tom Price Community Vaccination Clinic from 17 – 21 September. The Paraburdoo Community Vaccination Clinic is also open for appointments on 23 September.

Bookings for the COVID-19 vaccine are open to members of the Tom Price and Paraburdoo communities, surrounding Indigenous communities, Rio Tinto workers and their families. Appointments can now be made online by logging into VaccinateWA. Dates for the second dose will be shared once confirmed with WA Health.

Anyone over the age of 12, living in a remote community, is eligible to be vaccinated with the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at any of the regional community hubs.

The Tom Price clinic is aiming to provide vaccine access for the entire population of Tom Price over the age of 12, which is estimated to be about 3,000 people. The clinic is located at the Tom Price Community Centre on Central Road, Tom Price. The Paraburdoo Clinic will be located at Ashburton Hall.

Rio Tinto Iron Ore chief executive Simon Trott said the opening of the first vaccination hubs in the Pilbara is a critical step in the State’s ongoing efforts to fight COVID-19.

“We are pleased to work in partnership with the WA Government to launch this COVID-19 vaccination blitz in the Pilbara.

“We know how critically important it is to boost vaccination rates in the community and I strongly encourage everyone in and around Tom Price and Paraburdoo to take advantage of these local clinics and get vaccinated.”

Shire of Ashburton President Kerry White said, “the Shire of Ashburton is pleased to assist in the continued rollout of the State Government’s ‘Roll Up for WA’ campaign and working with our community partner Rio Tinto in ensuring access for our community members in Tom Price and Paraburdoo to receive their COVID-19 vaccination.

“I encourage all community members to book their appointment via the VaccinateWA website and take advantage of this opportunity to protect yourself against the effects of COVID-19.”

Rio Tinto’s COVID-19 screening facilities at Perth Airport (T2 and T3) are also being modified to include ‘pop-up’ vaccination hubs to target workers returning to Perth. The hubs will initially be available to Rio Tinto’s FIFO workforce, who regularly travel to and from the Pilbara. This hub is expected to be operational by the end of the month.