Senior Health Professional and Midwife, Alexandra Ball (at rear) with Caseworker Kimberley Castles

Karinya House has been working in partnership with ACT Health to offer Pfizer vaccination to women and children over 12 years of age with whom we are working. This is an opportunity to receive the vaccination in a safe, familiar environment with Karinya House staff on hand for support. Karinya House recognises being vaccinated is an important way we all can help to protect ourselves and our families.

The first clinic was held recently 17 women attending. One child over 12 years attended with their Mum. Karinya House Senior Health Professional and Midwife, Alexandra Ball who coordinated the clinic with ACT Health was a welcome and familiar face for the women, together with Caseworker Kimberley Castles.

There were six personnel from  ACT Health (and Aspen Medical) on site.

All women being supported by Karinya House currently and in the recent past were contacted personally by members of the Karinya team and invited to the clinic. It was pleasing to learn, through this check in, a number of women had already been vaccinated.  Upon being contacted, one woman said she had been feeling very scared about vaccination but was very grateful to be invited to our clinic and relieved to be booked in. Another woman said, “Yes please! What a good idea. Thank you so much.”

For women who attended the clinic, many were quite nervous, however they were provided reassurance by the wonderful nursing staff and all appeared to have a positive experience.  Many commented that they felt relieved to have received the vaccination.

A follow up clinic will be held to provide the second vaccination to ensure all are fully vaccinated.

Transport was provided for one woman, childcare was provided for all Karinya Residents that attended and Staff were on hand to assist with any women attending the clinic requiring support with their children however all children were very settled and this support was not required.

We extend our gratitude to ACT Health for their support for this very important initiative, which includes a small grant to cover costs incurred by Karinya House to run the clinic.