Rush begins for under-11 COVID jabs

THOUSANDS of Surf Coast, Bellarine and Geelong children are receiving their first COVID-19 vaccinations this week after eligibility for 5-11-year-olds opened on Monday last week.

Barwon Health’s facility at the former Ford factory in Norlane reported about 300 vaccinations on its first day.

The community vaccination hub is one of eight state-run centres that underwent a special forest-themed refit designed to cater specifically for young people, featuring imagery of native Australian animals, entertainers, activities and showbags.

“We want to create a vaccination experience that is positive for the whole family … a welcoming and accessible experience for children of all backgrounds and abilities,” Acting Premier Jacinta Allan said.

“By getting your child vaccinated, you are providing them with direct protection against COVID-19 and reducing the risk of transmission to loved ones and in schools.”

Barwon Health is not offering walk-in appointments for children, and all bookings for children are being centralised through the Department of Health booking system.

“The first wave of appointments have been fully booked out and more will be added when possible,” a Barwon Health spokesperson said.

“We are pleased with the strong demand for children aged 5-11.”

GPs and pharmacies are participating in the vaccination rollout for 5-11 year-olds, but some GPs and pharmacies are saying they don’t have the capacity for this age group and are instead steering parents to larger centres such as Barwon Health ‘s community vaccination hub.

As parents rush to get their children immunised before the school year starts, there are multiple reports that demand for bookings has been outstripping appointment availability.

Pfizer is the only COVID vaccine available to 5-11 year olds, approved by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) in early December 2021.

The dosage for 5-11 year-olds is one-third of that given to people aged 12 years and over, with an eight-week interval between the two doses, which can be shortened to three weeks in special circumstances such as outbreak settings.

About 2.27 million Aussie children aged 5-11 are eligible to get vaccinated against COVID-19, with more than 578,000 of these in Victoria.

To find your nearest vaccine provider and book in now, head to covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/booking.

For more information about COVID-19 vaccines for children and teenagers, including preparing your child for vaccination and a fact sheet, head to coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccination-information-children-and-teenagers.