Coronavirus crisis: How the Kimberley community of Beagle Bay reached a 104 per cent vaccination rate

A Kimberley Aboriginal community where every resident has received at least one jab against COVID-19 is now helping surrounding areas reach the same milestone. Beagle Bay, which has a population of about 360, has as of Tuesday reached a first COVID-19 jab rate of 104 per cent, with more than 90 per cent having received two doses. It achieved the 104 per cent mark because not only has everyone in the community been jabbed, but anyone who visits the town also gets vaccinated. Statewide, about 37 per cent of WA’s Indigenous population has been double jabbed and about 54 per cent have received one dose. Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services chief executive Vicki O’Donnell said the Dampier Peninsula community was the leading light in the region for the vaccine rollout. “They vaccinate anybody who is not vaccinated who comes into the community,” she said. “They are probably our star of the whole Kimberley. “Bidyadanga is sitting at 85 per cent first dose, and Broome itself has good rates for first doses.” Ms O’Donnell said while there were still plenty of myths and misinformation spreading through communities, the tide was turning in favour of the vaccination message. WA Vaccine Commander Chris Dawson and Chief Health Officer Andy Robertson will on Tuesday fly to Balgo and Kiwirrkurra to see firsthand how the rollout is going in each community. Speaking in Broome, Mr Dawson said he wanted to stop the virus crossing the border and finding unvaccinated WA residents. “What we are here to do is talk to the elders, talk to the community leaders and really reinforce the importance of getting the vaccine against COVID-19,” he said. “This is an opportunity to talk direct to community members, answer their questions and having WA’s top health doctor with us gives them certainty about the safety of this vaccine. “We know the vaccination rate in some of our communities is not where it should be — way below.” Dr Robertson said it would likely take at least another week before the State Government had a clearer picture on how severe the Omicron variant was and how effective vaccines were against it. “What we are seeing is it is probably more transmissible, how transmissible it is still remains to be known,” he said. Dr Robertson said further public health and safety measures would be considered should areas fail to meet the 90 per cent double dose rate by the time WA’s borders reopen. “We are not keen to look at closing areas off,” he said. “What we may look at is whether there has to be further restrictions ... whether people may have to where masks or have some limitations on capacity tailored to particular areas. “It may be certain communities need to be protected ... but we are not necessarily advocating that whole areas be locked down.” The pair had also hoped to visit Looma but the wet season rains put paid to the plan.