Vaccine is main weapon against COVID: Riverina doctors

Their comments follow Michael McCormack's media appearance where he stuck to the prime minister's line that it is "not a race" to get the Australian public vaccinated.

Mr McCormack, who is currently acting prime minister, said it needed to be a systematic process.

"Whilst other countries have had to hasten their roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccines due to alarming infection rates, our nation has been its best self in keeping infection rates low," he said.

"The Federal Government wants the vaccine roll-out to happen in the safest and most efficient way possible. A phased approach is needed to not overwhelm the vaccine delivery network."

Riverina GP Alam Yoosuff disagreed with the comments emphasising that the country was indeed in a race.

"It's a race against the virus," he said. "We could have done better. We are late, but not too late."

The Finley-based doctor is also the director of primary health for the Murrumbidgee Local Health District but spoke in his capacity as a GP.

Dr Yoosuff said there needed to be an acknowledgement that the roll-out had not been efficient enough and honest communication about the next stage.

"The vaccine is going to be one of our main weapons, and we can't forget the other bits and pieces," he said.

"You also need to have the right public health measures like hygiene, PPE, etc."

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Mr McCormack did not respond to the question as to whether he thinks there is hesitancy among Australians to get the vaccine but said for anyone who qualifies, the message is simple - do not wait to be vaccinated.

"Not only are you putting yourself at risk, you are putting your fellow Australians at risk," he said.

"The Federal Government will continue to take the best possible medical advice from the health experts ... and make pragmatic decisions in the best interest of the nation."

Glenrock Country Practice GP Ayman Shenouda runs the Wagga Respiratory Clinic alongside his general practice, said hesitancy is still a significant issue.

But, as Victoria grapples with another outbreak and subsequent lockdown, there has been increasing interest in the vaccine.

"There was some complacency ... but what is happening in Victoria has made people wake up," Dr Shenouda said.

"It's a war against a virus. We have a weapon in our backyard. We need to use it. But, I think we need to do more with the campaign ... hesitancy is still a big issue."

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