COVID-19 vaccs gain momentum

BENDIGO Health’s mass vaccination centre has seen plenty of activity since the start of lockdown last Friday.

One of those inline was Jacinta Allan, Member for Bendigo East, who received her first dose of the COVID vaccine on Monday and said it’s great to see the clinic busy.

“Having become eligible on Friday as part of the 40 to 49-year-old age group, I was really keen to get here and get vaccinated as quickly as possible and I’m really encouraging all regional Victorians to take the opportunity if your eligible to come and get the jab,” she said.

“The Bendigo Health team are doing a wonderful job, moving people through as quickly as possible.

“It is really terrific to see how the local community has responded.”

The clinic vaccinated 780 people last Sunday after accepting walk-ins, however chair of Bendigo Health Bob Cameron said online bookings are essential.

On Monday, Mr Cameron said while the clinic’s supply of the vaccine was originally quite high, the lockdown has “dramatically changed” that.

“At the moment we have loads of Pfizer, but we’ve only got a few thousand AstraZeneca,” he said.

Bendigo Health is urging people who wish to be vaccinated to register online using their email, as the phone system has been overwhelmed.

“[If they go to the] Bendigo Health website, register, they will get an email and they can then book a spot,” Mr Cameron said. “If they book a spot then they will get top priority.”

Mr Cameron also said there had been some concerns raised over the lack of supply of COVID-19 vaccine some regional Victorian GPs have received.

“They’re only getting small numbers and we would love to see, to take some pressure off this centre, those GPs getting far more, pharmacies being opened up,” Mr Cameron said. “

“If we’re going to vaccinate the population and do it quickly, we want as many points as possible for that to occur.”

Head to bendigohealth.org.au/COVID19vaccine to check your eligibility and book your vaccination.