If you can, get vaccinated

Throughout September, local businesses and organisations have come together to support the vaccine roll-out.

And Bass Coast residents have responded to the call with enthusiasm. 

According to Federal government figures, as of September 20, 85.7 per cent of Bass Coast residents have received their first vaccination, with 56 per cent fully vaccinated.

Alongside the Advertiser, pharmacists, doctors, real estate agents, local schools and organisations, Bendigo Community Banks, Bass Coast Shire Council, Phillip Island Nature Parks and Destination Phillip Island have taken part in the campaign.

The campaign ads feature smiling faces of fully vaccinated locals encouraging people to get vaccinated, “to protect yourself, your family, friends and our community”.

Peter Paul, from the board of the Bendigo Community Banks in Cowes, San Remo and Grantville, said they were pleased to be part of the campaign.
“As a community organisation, we’re all about helping look after the community. We were disappointed that we had to postpone our beloved family events such as the Cowes Carols due to Covid restrictions, and we’re looking forward to being able to run and support events like this again in 2022.”

The Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre (PICAL), also joined the campaign.

“We know we are still far away from overcoming this pandemic if we ever do, and the likelihood of Covid affecting Phillip Island is extremely high,” said general manager Greg Thompson.

“At PICAL, we have encouraged all of our 180+ workforce to get vaccinated. This is primarily to protect ourselves, because we see so many unfamiliar faces each day and we know that many of the vulnerable people we serve have less capacity to protect themselves and are at a much higher risk of bringing a range of afflictions into our premises. However, we also want to make sure that all our staff and volunteers don’t inadvertently take home an exposure to their families, neighbours and friends.

“We know that some people cannot ever get vaccinated, and some people are wary, so this is why we are encouraging the remainder of those people who can, to get vaccinated to protect our whole community.”

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.