Maxi Vaxi returns to the Pilbara to give vaccine boost to Newman, Tom Price and Karratha

A police booze bus converted into a mobile vaccination clinic is returning to the Pilbara in an effort to provide vaccines to those unable to get to clinics.

The “Maxi Vaxi” mobile vaccination clinic will travel to Newman on March 28 before holding clinics in Tom Price on March 29 and 30 and Karratha on April 1 and 2.

It is part of an effort to engage with vulnerable and local communities to encourage and promote the uptake of vaccinations.

The mobile clinic was previously in the Pilbara for three weeks at the beginning of the year. Nearly 1200 people were vaccinated during that time.

Senior Sergeant Gareth Cornish said the Maxi Vaxi clinic gave people who might not have had an opportunity beforehand the chance to get vaccinated.

Sen Sgt Cornish said vaccines gave people the best available opportunity to defend against COVID-19.

“We can put the buses in front of locals and people who may not have the opportunity to get to clinics easily,” he said.

“So that allows people to get those vaccinations they probably know they need but they haven’t had the opportunity to get yet.”

The Pilbara currently has the lowest vaccination rate in the nation, with just 67.9 per cent of the eligible East Pilbara population having received one jab and double-dosed as of March 21.

The West Pilbara currently has just 63.1 per cent of its population aged 16 and above with one dose and 61 per cent with two doses.