A Wagga GP is urging the community to remain respectful and considerate towards staff members as the demand for COVID-19 vaccines increases and case numbers continue to grow across the state.
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Dr Ayman Shenouda, who runs the Wagga vaccination hub out of Glenrock Country Practice, said that the number of angry phone calls that staff are receiving from the public is on the rise.
"It's been a big run and we are all doing our best to serve the community," he said.
"When patients become abusive it just lets everyone down."
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Dr Shenouda said that some members of the public are calling to book a Pfizer jab, however they are not yet eligible, and this can lead to some difficult exchanges for staff members.
"It is becoming a problem for us," he said.
"The staff are exhausted with phone calls.
"There are rules and we need to respect the priority for people who are in need of the vaccine."
Currently, people aged 40 to 59 years of age are eligible for the Pfizer vaccine. People aged 16 to 39 are also eligible for Pfizer if they fulfill a number of requirements, such as being a healthcare worker, pregnant, having an underlying health condition, and more.
"Everyone will have their turn in time," Dr Shenouda said, reminding that the AstraZeneca vaccine is readily available for everyone over 18 years of age.
The vaccination hub recorded its biggest day on Monday in terms of vaccines administered.
Dr Shenouda said the demand for AstraZeneca seems to be on the rise, as well.
"The whole afternoon we've got about 20 cases for AstraZeneca that are new cases, not the second dose," he added.
"[It is] a good indication that people are now understanding that AstraZeneca is a safe vaccine."
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Emily Wind
Originally from Lake Macquarie, Emily kickstarted her journalism career in Tumut before moving to the Daily Advertiser in Wagga where she covers Health and Features. Got a story tip? Email emily.wind@austcommunitymedia.com.au, or call 0457 459 095.
Originally from Lake Macquarie, Emily kickstarted her journalism career in Tumut before moving to the Daily Advertiser in Wagga where she covers Health and Features. Got a story tip? Email emily.wind@austcommunitymedia.com.au, or call 0457 459 095.
