A Goulburn doctor has urged eligible community members to get vaccinated, calling this morning's news that a hospital contractor tested positive to COVID-19 a "wake-up call".
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Goulburn Medical Clinic GP Dr Isabella Hawke has encouraged residents to "step up and get vaccinated".
"The case in Goulburn is a timely reminder for people to get vaccinated as soon as possible," Dr Hawke said.
"I'm concerned too many people are delaying getting the vaccine. Vaccination hesitancy is a major problem.
"Covid has been on our doorstep and now it's arrived."
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She appealed to Goulburn aged care residents and workers, and hospital workers to get vaccinated immediately.
"I urge people to contact their GP or health clinic and check eligibility," Dr Hawke said.
"All GPs in the area are working very hard to administer vaccines and offer advice."
Goulburn Base Hospital anaesthetist Dr Jack Micklethwaite received his second dose of the AstraZenica vaccine on July 13.
He said the risk of dying from COVID-19 or risks associated with taking the Pill were greater than risks associated with vaccination.
"The risk of getting very ill and having long term effects is much higher if you aren't vaccinated," Dr Micklethwaite said.
"Covid damages blood vessels in the body, you run the risk of long term problems."
Retired GP Dr Warwick Renton also received his second dose. The popular doctor worked in Goulburn for 37 years.
Dr Renton said he decided to get the vaccine "primarily because of the worry I could be a transmitter of the virus without knowing it".
He said there was "a lot of misinformation" shared about vaccines on social media.
"The evidence so far is that people can pass Covid onto family members, with older relatives more likely to have a severe reaction to the virus".
He encouraged the community to get vaccinated, but reminded people that all vaccines had potential side effects.
COVID-19 vaccinations are available at Goulburn Medical Clinic, Bradfordville Family Medical Centre, Marima Medical Clinic and Crookwell Health Care Centre.
To check eligibility head to the NSW Government's eligibility tracker.
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