93 per cent and rising

A local campaign to encourage people to get vaccinated has had stunning results, with Bass Coast hitting 93 per cent first dose on Monday.

Second dose rates as of October 4 were at 64 per cent.

Throughout September, over 7894 vaccines were administered at the state-run Community Vaccination Clinic in the Wonthaggi Town Hall.

Local medical clinics and pharmacies also added to the tally, helping push the shire to the 90 per cent mark.

“We have done just over 400 Covid vaccines here at Priceline Pharmacy Cowes,” said Greg Kossena, with more booked in for both first and second doses in future weeks.

“Last week we started the Moderna vaccine bookings alongside the AstraZeneca vaccinations which we had already been doing. So far nationally, pharmacies have administered over 800,000 Covid vaccines and over 150,000 of these in Victoria. The addition of the Moderna vaccine will further boost these numbers,” he said.

Last week the government announced the interval between Pfizer doses at state run clinics had been shortened, due to confirmation of vaccine supply.

At state-run clinics from October 4, Victorians will be able to book their two Pfizer doses three weeks apart.

With new cases identified in Bass Coast last week, and increasing case numbers in regional Victoria, and the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne – our closest metropolitan neighbours – health authorities are urging people to book in for their vaccination as soon as possible.

Vaccination locations

You can book a vaccination through your local GP, Pharmacy or state-run clinic.

GP: to find the nearest available GP appointment, go to www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines/getting-your-vaccination/locations. Both Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines are available.

Pharmacy: Visit findapharmacy.com.au. Both Moderna (suitable for those under 60) and AstraZeneca vaccines are available.

Vaccinations are available through the state-run Vaccination Clinic at Wonthaggi Town Hall. You can book online at portal.cvms.vic.gov.au or by calling the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398. The clinic has AstraZeneca (walk-ins accepted) and Pfizer.