LOCAL sports clubs, youth groups and culturally and linguistically diverse communities have been enlisted with more than 200 community organisations joining forces as part of the summer blitz to get Victorians vaccinated with their third COVID-19 dose.
Victoria’s vaccination centres and 28 pop-ups geared up to deliver third doses across the state have been set up across the state.
Victorians who had their second vaccine four or more months ago are now due for their third dose.
This comes after the recent Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommendation to bring forward the third dose interval to four months so as many people as possible are protected ahead of anticipated rising Omicron case numbers.
The additional sites, some of which are walk-ups and open seven days a week 12 hours a day, will support the Commonwealth’s vaccination program alongside GPs and pharmacists.
Pop-ups and extended fixed community sites will include Caroline Springs Leisure Centre and Preston’s PANCH Health Centre, and regional locations including centres delivered with Swan Hill District Health and Kyneton District Health and Community Care - other locations to support the scale-up are being explored.
Victorian Government’s Vaccine Ambassadors represent the diversity of Victoria and include clinicians, faith, industry, sports, and educational fields with small grants that help the organisations support their communities to get their third dose.
Partners include AMAZE, Carers Victoria, Chinese Community Council of Australia, Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare, Cohealth, Deaf Victoria, Drummond St Services, Father Bob Maguire Foundation, Gateway Health, Mind Australia, Islamic Council of Australia, Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative, Sacred Heart Mission, Yooralla and the Hindu Council of Australia.
The vaccination third-dose blitz will roll out over this month, with up to 300,000 doses expected to be administered in the state-run system alone to supplement the up to 600,000 Victorians a week able to be vaccinated through GPs and pharmacists.
The Western District Health Service (WDHS) joined local GPs and pharmacies to roll out booster vaccines throughout January to people 18 years and older who have had their second (or primary) dose of COVID-19 vaccination at least 4 months ago.
The WDHS booster clinic has been set up at the Frances Hewett Community Centre and has available appointment next week (January 11, 12, 13 and 19).
Currently, 11 per cent of Victorians 12 and over have already received a third dose of vaccine, including booster doses and third primary doses for immunocompromised people.
Acting premier, Jacinta Allan said the COVID-19 booster would provide Victorians with the best protection against the virus.
“… That's why we're making it as easy as possible for Victorians to get vaccinated as soon as they can,” she said.
“We’re working closely with leaders from all parts of the community, making sure all Victorians have the support they need to get vaccinated.”
To book your COVID-19 booster appointment at WDHS visit portal.cvms.vic.gov.au and search by postcode 3300 or call 1800 675 398.
