Over 50s mass vaccinations underway

AS of Monday, Ballarat Health Services’ Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic at the Mercure Hotel’s Eureka Ballroom has been vaccinating people aged fifty years and over.

Grampians Public Health Unit operations director Robyn Wilson said BHS is confident with their Pfizer and AstraZeneca stock capacities, and can deliver up to 1000 vaccines per day.

They are also accepting walk-ins, but strongly encourage people book ahead with the awareness that mornings are often busiest.

“The turnout has been really strong. We’ve been really delighted,” Ms Wilson said.

“The Mercure is very comfortable and warm, and we have put tents up so we can cope with queues and they don’t get wet. It’s a really great facility, and we’re well supported by the Mercure.

“The over-50s have made our numbers go up this week. People are keen to come in. We’ll be moving to a bigger space again in a few weeks’ time.”

Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle received her initial AstraZeneca vaccine on Monday morning, having booked into the clinic.

“It’s a great day to be over 50. Finally, people can come along and get their vaccination, and I’m feeling very confident, and really glad that I’ve started the vaccination process,” she said.

“It’s not just about us as individuals, it’s about protecting our whole community, and this is our ticket back to the life that we love and cherish, being able to travel, see our elderly and the more vulnerable in our community.”

Ms Settle said the State Government is glad to see mass centres like the one at the Mercure open, and the positive community response to them.

Appointments can be made via the Victorian Vaccine Call Centre on 1800 675 398. Alternatively, if you arrive without a booking and it is busy, you may make an appointment on site for another time.

Cars are asked to enter via Burdeu Street, and not the main Mercure entrance, to avoid congestion. People are also permitted to park in the next-door Zagames carpark on Main Road.