ROCKHAMPTON Bishop Michael McCarthy has added his call for people to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
The Central Queensland region, including Rockhampton and Mackay were recently identified as having some of the lowest vaccination rates in the state.
In a letter to residents across the Rockhampton Diocese, Bishop McCarthy encouraged all to get vaccinated.
“The virus is present in our country and has found its way into our regions,” he wrote.
“We are indeed fortunate to have one of the best medical supports in the world, but an outbreak in our region will place enormous strain on our medical staff and hospitals.’
Bishop McCarty’s call comes amidst growing health concerns for marginalised Australians who are yet to get vaccinated.
Chair of Catholic Social Services Australia, Francis Sullivan, said from day one the vaccine rollout had been stacked against communities at risk.
“People living with disabilities and in the Indigenous community are still waiting for second vaccinations while the more affluent among us are lining up for a third shot,” Mr Sullivan said.
“It seems that the Morrison Government, in its rush to get 80 per cent of the country double dosed, just gave up on the marginalised.”
According to federal health department figures, as of November 5, 79.6 per cent of participants on the NDIS had received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 70.4 per cent were fully vaccinated. The NDIS figures do not represent all people living with disabilities.
Vaccine coverage among First Nations communities is also well behind the national average.
Just 65.9 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia have received at least one dose, and 54 per cent are fully vaccinated
On top of the low vaccination rate, the increased movement of people around regional areas over the coming summer has generated real concerns and fear of infection for unvaccinated First Nations people.
In his own case, Bishop McCarthy wrote that he consulted with a Mater Hospital specialist doctor before getting AstraZeneca (Vaxzervia) shots.
“It was on his advice, together with my orthopaedic surgeon and my GP, that I have now received the two doses of the vaccine,” he said.
“In receiving the vaccine, I wanted to protect my health and those whom I may meet through my pastoral ministry.
“Some people, however, may have a valid medical reason for not receiving the vaccination.
“If you believe this could be the case, you should, as I did, seek proper medical advice.”
Bishop McCarthy also reiterated that Pope Francis had urged all people as “an act of love” to get vaccinated.
“In communion with the Holy Father, I strongly urge all involved in church ministry of our diocese to get vaccinated, as our ministry involves contact with other people, including those more vulnerable,” he said.
“I reflected on the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith guidelines and was guided by the Holy Father.
“Many people have died here in Australia and overseas from the effects of COVID-19. The Holy Father’s own personal doctor died from COVID-19.”
The Congregation’s document clarifying the moral questions involved can be found at the following link: www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_20201221_nota-vaccini-anticovid_en.html
