Booster blitz underway

The state government has launched a campaign to increase the number of people who have had their third Covid-19 shot in the coming weeks.

Currently more than 56 per cent of eligible Victorians have received their third dose. But the figure is lower among younger people, who have become eligible for a dose more recently.

To address this, last week, the government announced its COVID-19 vaccination program will expand in the coming weeks, taking vaccinations to multicultural facilities, churches, temples and mosques, sporting games, pools, festivals and more, to make it as easy as possible for people to be vaccinated.

The government also said the state-run clinics would increase the capacity for walk-ins in the coming weeks. Currently more than 94 per cent of capacity in Victoria’s state-run sites is dedicated to walk-ins.

Last Month, Bass Coast Health CEO told the Advertiser her staff have contacted local sports and community groups offering vaccination sessions, to try and reach as many people as possible.

“We’re asking the community to let us know how we can accommodate you. Tell us how we can help make this happen.”

She urged any group or business that wanted to organise a vaccination session to contact BCH.

She said previous outreach clinics, held in Cowes and the Waterline had been well received, but numbers were below expectations.

Best be boosted

Ms Child urged everyone who was eligible to get their vaccination or their third shot to do so as soon as possible.

She said she was aware many people felt getting the virus was now inevitable and “they may as well just get it over with”.

However she recommended doing everything possible to protect yourself from the virus.

“Just because you got Omicron, that doesn’t protect you against the next variant,” she said.

“We don’t yet know the long-term effects of Omicron although we do know the long-term effects of Delta and it’s a nasty legacy.

“I’ve tried to stay Covid free because I am worried about long Covid. People my age don’t do well with long Covid. People with asthma don’t do well.”

She said anyone who had tested positive and had lingering or recurring symptoms, including headaches and brain fog should contact their GP.

“It’s important to make sure it is being managed properly.”

She also urged parents who had not already done so to get their children vaccinated as soon as possible.

Vaccination rates for children aged 5 -11 in the area range between 40 and 65 per cent. Currently the 3925 postcode area, which includes San Remo, Newhaven and Cape Woolamai was leading the way, with 60-65 per cent of eligible children receiving their first dose.

Home program

Last week, the government announced the state’s in-home vaccination program has expanded to include children. This will specifically help children with special needs, who may not be able to attend a vaccination hub or are likely to respond better to a familiar or low-stimulation environment.

The in-home vaccination service has already begun vaccinating small numbers of children, focusing on those who have an injury, chronic illness, physical disability or mobility issues, or mental health or behavioural issues.

The in-home service has also expanded to include third dose vaccines for any Victorian aged 70 and over who can’t travel to a centre, GP or pharmacy.

Victoria’s health services will continue to provide vaccination pop-ups to support outer-suburban, regional and culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

To date, more than half of Victoria’s 5 to 11-year-olds have received their first dose – higher than the national average. More than 56 per cent of Victorians over 16 have had a third dose.

The Community Vaccination Clinic at the Wonthaggi Town Hall is currently open 10am – 5pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and 9am – 12pm on Saturday, and is accepting walk-ins.

Clinic opening hours may change based on staffing and demand. The most up to date information on clinic opening times is available on the BCH Facebook page.

Book the next dose of your vaccine today or walk-in at a vaccination centre at www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccine.

For in-home vaccinations, call the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398.