Vaccinating our most vulnerable

If you go by Australia’s 2016 Census, Robinvale has a population of 3,313. However, in truth, this figure is believed to be closer to 8,000 – meaning there is a phantom population living in this Mallee community that is almost 5,000 strong.

According to a report earlier this year from the ABC, this discrepancy is due in part to the fact that Robinvale is home to a large migrant worker population, many of whom would rather keep their visa status to themselves.

Robinvale is a horticultural hub that demands a huge labour force, meaning that these workers actually form the backbone of the town’s economy. But because they do not officially appear on record and their visa status doesn’t qualify them for Medicare, accessing a COVID-19 vaccination has been all but impossible for them.

“Currently we have one GP providing a weekly vaccination clinic, but she is unable to do non-Medicare holders,” says Anita Erlandsen, Manager of Allied Health and Community Nursing at Robinvale District Health Service (RDHS). “We also have a pharmacy doing a small number of vaccinations and the local ACCHO doing around 200 a week, but they are unable to keep up with the demand, especially for non-Medicare holders.”

In an effort to overcome this significant barrier and ensure every Robinvale resident – regardless of visa status – could access a vaccine, RDHS partnered with Bendigo Health and RFDS Victoria to coordinate a pop-up vaccination clinic.

“RDHS recognised early on the impact that COVID could have if it got into this area,” says Anita. “The vaccination rollout was such that we were unable to be providers on our own, so we needed to reach out to larger organisations to assist. This is how our partnership started with Bendigo Health. 

“We had also reached out to RFDS and rather than duplicate what was already being provided by Bendigo Health and RDHS, RFDS came on as partners to assist.”

RFDS Victoria helped with several three-day clinics over September, with a number of MPC team members making their way north to support RDHS.

“Lisa, Liana and I enjoyed our experience at Robinvale,” says Patient Transport Officer Merna Bell. “It was pretty busy at times and although there were some language barriers, we felt that we were gratefully received by the Robinvale community. Everyone was keen to get vaccinated and patiently waited their turn.”

Medicare is not the only hurdle standing between Robinvale residents and a vaccination. Located 90km from Mildura and 133km from Swan Hill, Robinvale is far from dedicated vaccination centres and transport options are limited.

“Without this clinic, many of these people would not get vaccinated, with the nearest clinics in Mildura,” says Anita. “To get to Mildura is difficult as a lot of this group do not have access to a vehicle and rely on others to drive them. They would essentially need to bus into Mildura and this would really put them out of work for the day, [and] as the workers often live hand to mouth, they could not afford to miss work.”

This pop-up clinic, like many others taking place around the state, was therefore crucial in ensuring that Robinvale’s population was as protected from COVID-19 as it could possibly be. As Anita notes, had the virus got into this vulnerable community prior to a vaccine rollout, the consequences would have been devastating.

“The impact would have far reaching effects, particularly on the horticultural and agricultural industry, and the food chain in wider Australia,” says Anita. “We grow a wide variety of food in this region that relies on this workforce to ensure that it is planted, pruned, picked and packed. 

“Accommodation in Robinvale is limited and it is common to have four families living in a four bedroom house. This living and working situation is such that if one person was to contract COVID, it could wipe out a large section of our agricultural workforce and impact heavily on the food chain.”

Being such an important clinic for both Robinvale and Victoria at large, RFDS Victoria was proud to support RDHS and Bendigo Health in ensuring equitable vaccine distribution to the whole community.

“There were roughly just over 160 vaccinations given over the two days, and many people will return for their second dose in a few weeks,” says Merna.

“It was great to leave knowing that we have helped to support many of these residents who play an important role in our farming industry.”