THE STATE Government has pledged to train up to 1,000 new vaccinators, helping first-year health students and retired nurses, to join an expanded workforce to be deployed across state-run centres and boost our vaccination efforts.

Millions of Victorians will become eligible for their third dose over the coming weeks, and a new pool of trained-up vaccinators will mean a broader workforce is available to prepare and administer COVID-19 vaccines, while also freeing up health professionals to return to their normal duties.

Known as Limited Scope COVID-19 Vaccinators, they will be required to successfully complete mandatory Commonwealth and Victorian COVID-19 vaccination training – equivalent to training requirements for other emergency authorised COVID-19 vaccination workforces.

Western District Health Service (WDHS) has likewise advertised and are looking to fill eight to 10 vacancies in its vaccination program.

WDHS chief executive Rohan Fitzgerald said that “contingency planning is an important part of the WDHS pandemic response.” 

“There is a great a deal of workforce uncertainty at the moment because of the speed at which the virus is spreading throughout the community.  

“In the months ahead many more people will get COVID-19 and large numbers of people will be forced to isolate.

“We are aware of the challenges that lie ahead and want to do everything possible to make our community safe.

“The limited scope vaccinator program will ensure we have sufficient staff available to continue the rollout of boosters and vaccinations for children.

“If you’ve been out of the health system for a while or are just starting your career in community, nursing or a science field we want to hear from you.”

“What better way to help your community than by being a part of Australia’s largest ever immunisation program,” Mr Fitzgerald said.

The expanded force will join nurse and pharmacist immunisers in state-run vaccination clinics for up to six months and will be supervised by experienced clinicians.

Meanwhile, WDHS reported a fantastic uptake of its January booster and primary school aged children’s clinics.

WDHS has third dose COVID-19 vaccination appointments available Monday to Thursday throughout February with GP’s and pharmacies also providing third dose vaccinations.

WDHS has January appointments still available for children aged five to 11 years, with further clinics also being offered every Friday in February.

To book at WDHS call 1800 675 398 or visit portal.cvms.vic.gov.au

GP’s and pharmacists are also providing vaccination clinics for young children.

Victorians aged 18 years and older are eligible to get their third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine four months after their second dose.