Vaccines available – so book your spot

Gippsland Region Public Health Unit has provided this summary of who is currently able to receive a vaccine at a Community Vaccination Clinic.

Pfizer eligibility:

• Phase 1a / Phase 1b Cohorts (under 60 years **)
• Pregnant woman
• General Population 40 years to 59 years

AstraZeneca eligibility:

• Phase 1a / Phase 1b cohorts who are 60 years and over
• General population 60 years and over

Please note:
**The following priority cohorts have additionally been granted access to Pfizer (irrespective of age);

• Healthcare workers
• aged care workers
• disability workers
• family of hotel quarantine workers
• border enforcement workers

Vaccine advice

Keen to get an AstraZeneca shot, but don't fit into any of the categories listed above?

In line with the current state program guidelines, the AstraZeneca vaccine is not administered to 18–39-year-olds through state run clinics.

However, under the Commonwealth vaccine roll out, anyone under 60 who is not in a priority cohort but would like to access AstraZeneca may be able to access it via a GP clinic., after speaking to a GP to weigh up the risk/benefits.

This week, the state government confirmed that state-run vaccination centres will now administer the second dose of Pfizer vaccine at least six weeks after the first dose from Monday, August 2. There is no change to the AstraZeneca interval advice.

Community clinic

The Bass Coast Community Vaccination Clinic is in the Wonthaggi Town Hall. Current opening hours are 9am - 4pm Monday, Tuesday and Friday, and 10am - 6pm Wednesday.

Anyone eligible for a Pfizer vaccine (including a second dose) is urged to make an appointment.

Walk in appointments are available for AstraZeneca shots for people over 60.

For the most up-to-date opening times, visit www.covidbasscoasthealth.org.au/covid-19updates.

To book an appointment, go to www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/book-your-vaccine-appointment or call 1800 675 398.

All clear from local exposure

Last week, the state government confirmed a Covid positive case on Phillip Island. However it was not the result of exposure at any of the 30 plus sites listed across the island or in San Remo.

Gippsland Region Public Health Unit advised on July 29 the person was a Primary Close Contact of an exposure site outside the region.

"As a result, this case presents no risk to the community as the person has been isolating throughout their infectious period," the statement said.

There were no new local exposure sites listed as a result of the case.

The Department of Health confirmed the case was linked to the Trinity Grammar outbreak and the person was already in isolation at their holiday house on Phillip Island.

The confirmation of a positive case comes as viral fragments were again identified in the Cowes wastewater, on July 28 and 29.

There were no positive results from any of the listed exposure sites on Phillip Island and San Remo and all have now been removed from the state government public exposure site list.

However, Bass Coast Health advises if you experience any Covid symptoms (however minor), please get tested and stay home until you receive a negative result.

For the latest information on Coronavirus, go to www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au.

For wastewater testing results, go to www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/wastewater-testing-covid-19