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Why is Queensland lagging behind in the vaccine race?

A Current Affair Staff

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A Current Affair

As Australia races towards 70 and 80 per cent double dose vaccination targets, Queensland is on track to be the last state or territory to meet the national goal.

The low rates in Queensland have Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk urging some of the lowest vaccinated areas - including Logan - to get the jab.

Infectious disease expert Dr Paul Griffin said one of the factors increasing hesitancy is the mixed messaging on the safety of the vaccines.

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Infectious disease expert Dr Paul Griffin. A Current Affair

READ MORE: Vaccine roadmap out of lockdown has businesses divided

He also explained another factor is that there has been no major outbreak in Queensland so far.

"It's a real shame that here in Queensland we are lagging so far behind," he told A Current Affair.

"I think we need to do everything we can to get these vaccination rates up and get them up quickly."

There are now three state-run super vaccine hubs in Logan, with plans for more. A Current Affair

READ MORE: Australia's most vaccinated region pleads to reopen

Queensland has narrowly avoided a Delta outbreak, recording just two new cases of COVID-19 today

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"It's really important Queensland doesn't get left behind so we are not here watching those other states enjoy freedoms that we still have to wait for," Dr Griffin said.

Vaccine hubs

There are now three state-run super vaccine hubs in Logan, with plans for more.

The Logan Entertainment Centre vaccine hub was set up in July to combat the low uptake in the area. A Current Affair

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READ MORE: Calls for booster COVID-19 jabs as study finds immunity could wane

The Logan Entertainment Centre vaccine hub was set up in July to combat the low uptake in the area.

But two months on the rate is still low with just 26.5 per cent of the local community fully vaccinated.

Grant, 52, said while he initially "just wasn't interested at all" in getting the jab, he's now motivated by his desire for freedom.

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Some areas in Queensland have had lower vaccine rates.  A Current Affair

Logan local 52-year-old Grant. A Current Affair

He said the reason for his visit to the Logan vaccine hub is because "the governments pretty much forcing us to do it".

"Basically, being told if you don't get it, you're locked out. So, we need to move on," he said.

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Single mum Julie said she was previously told the earliest appointment she could get was in November, but she managed to get in at the Logan Entertainment Centre vaccine hub today.

Single mum Julie. A Current Affair

"After my daughters' school, one of the sister schools had a scare - a COVID case there - I thought, 'oh my gosh I've got to go and get that jab'," she said.

"I should have done this sooner, but it takes a real scare to get people motivated sometimes."

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Julie said she's not surprised the local vaccine rate is low but for those who are booking appointments it can be difficult.

Logan local Natalie said she had to wait four weeks for her jab.

Logan local Natalie. A Current Affair

Another local, Tanya, said she struggled to book online so she decided to visit the vaccine hub today and try her luck as a walk-in.

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"I've registered and it's still been two-and-a-half months and I still can't get an invitation to be vaccinated," Tanya said.

The Premier told media they're now looking at ways to facilitate more ways for people to get vaccinated.

"I think you know people like the walk-ins, so I think we need to look at how … to encourage people to come and get vaccinated," Ms Palaszczuk said.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk. A Current Affair

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How vaccination rates compare around Australia

Queensland's worst-performing local government area, according to Department of Health statistics, is Cherbourg with just 4.8 per cent of the population double dosed.

In NSW, Tenterfield currently has the lowest vaccination rate, with just 24.9 per cent of people having had two doses.

Tourist hotspot Byron Bay is also amongst the lowest with 28.7 per cent of people double dosed.

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In Victoria the Hume is the lowest-vaccinated LGA with 26 per cent having two doses and the Melbourne LGA is the second-lowest with just 26.7 per cent vaccinated.

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