20,000 doses!

Bass Coast Health hit the 20,000 vaccine mark last week, as Bass Coast shire recorded the highest first dose vaccination rate in Gippsland – and the fifth highest in Victoria.

In Bass Coast, 79.9 per cent of the population aged 15 and over have had their first dose of a vaccine and 52.3 per cent are fully vaccinated with two doses. In South Gippsland Shire, 74.4 per cent of the population aged 15 and over have had their first dose of a vaccine and 46 per cent are fully vaccinated with two doses, according to the Australian Government’s Local Government Area (LGA) Geographic Vaccine Rates, dated September 13.

The impressive figures come as BCH delivered its 20,000th vaccine on Friday, September 17, with Lila Switzer, 13, being the 20,000th person to be vaccinated for Covid at Wonthaggi Town Hall.

BCH has been committed to ensuring as many people in our community have been vaccinated against COVID-19 as possible, with staff administering vaccinations at the Community Vaccination Clinic at Wonthaggi Town Hall.

“We are overwhelmed with pride at having such a high vaccination rate in our community and wish to thank people for being vaccinated to improve their own safety and also the safety of the community as we continue to endure the pandemic,” CEO Jan Child said.

“To give 20,000 doses of the Covid vaccine to our community is a remarkable feat and I wish to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our Community Vaccination Clinic staff who have given significant time and effort in establishing the clinic, navigating new eligibility and ensuring our most vulnerable have been prioritised.

“Our Premier has described our months ahead as the ‘pandemic of the unvaccinated’. We are urging everyone to be vaccinated to keep our local community safe.

“We also remind everyone to practise Covid-Safe measures by wearing face masks that cover their nose and mouth, practise physical distancing, sanitise their hands regularly, clean surfaces with the appropriate disinfectant and avoid crowds. If we all follow the rules, we will get through this much quicker and will be able to enjoy our small freedoms.”

BCH administered 1972 Covid vaccinations for the period September 13-18, and as of September 18, had administered 20,327 vaccines.

For more information about reducing your risk of contracting Covid and the symptoms of the virus, go to: www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au.

To book a Covid vaccination, call the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398 or online at portal.cvms.vic.gov.au, or pop into the Town Hall for your AstraZeneca vaccination.