State Government and Rio Tinto to launch vaccination hubs in the Pilbara

The State Government has partnered up with Rio Tinto to launch a COVID-19 vaccination blitz targeting communities in the Pilbara and the FIFO workforce. Trial clinics will be established to boost vaccination rates in the Pilbara, with the first trial clinics operating in Tom Price and Paraburdoo from September. Other vaccination hubs were also being planned for Newman, Pannawonica and Dampier. Rio Tinto Iron Ore chief executive Simon Trott said the company was ready to support the State Government’s vaccination roll-out in anyway it can. “We know vaccinations are our best way out of this pandemic and we are very happy to convert our existing screening facilities, which have helped keep COVID-19 out of our operations and vulnerable communities for almost 18 months, to include vaccination hubs,” he said. “Given Rio Tinto’s large operational footprint in the Pilbara, we are well positioned to support the WA Government’s vaccination roll-out in the region, ensuring the vaccine is more accessible to remote and vulnerable communities.” Health Minister Roger Cook said having clinics located where people travel to for work was a convenient proposition and will make accessing the vaccine easier. “Keeping our resources sector workers safe, so they in turn can keep their workmates, families and communities safe, is a very positive move,” he said. “Further north in the Pilbara, I applaud the WA Country Health Service for working with industry to provide trial vaccination clinics for people in the area.” Rio Tinto’s COVID-19 screening facilities at Perth Airport will also be modified to include pop-up vaccination hubs targeting return workers to Perth.