VICTORIA\u2019S coronavirus vaccination rollout was expanded last Friday in response to case outbreaks in Melbourne.<\/p>\n
People aged 40 to 49 years old are now eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine at a state-run vaccination site in line with advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation, according to the State Government.<\/p>\n
Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley said getting the jab was particularly important as the winter season approaches.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlmost 400,000 Victorians have already been vaccinated through one of our vaccination centres, it\u2019s now time to open the doors to everyone aged 40 years and over,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a significant step forward in our vaccine rollout, as we work towards our goal of vaccinating as many eligible Victorians as possible.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe latest outbreak is a reminder that the best thing you can do to keep your community safe as we head into winter is to go out and get vaccinated.\u201d<\/p>\n
The expansion means more than half of the Victorian population will now be eligible to receive a jab, and follows record demand and forward bookings last week.<\/p>\n
Phone bookings to get the Pfizer vaccination are essential as doses aren\u2019t available at every centre, and they can be made by calling the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398.<\/p>\n
Over 40s were originally set to receive the vaccine during phase 2b of the rollout, which included anyone aged between 16 and 49 years old.<\/p>\n
Over 50s will continue to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine at state-run centres or a participating GP clinic.<\/p>\n