Over 40s roll up for jab rollout

VICTORIA’S coronavirus vaccination rollout was expanded last Friday in response to case outbreaks in Melbourne.

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.

Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley said getting the jab was particularly important as the winter season approaches.

“Almost 400,000 Victorians have already been vaccinated through one of our vaccination centres, it’s now time to open the doors to everyone aged 40 years and over,” he said.

“This is a significant step forward in our vaccine rollout, as we work towards our goal of vaccinating as many eligible Victorians as possible.

“The 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.”

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.

Phone bookings to get the Pfizer vaccination are essential as doses aren’t available at every centre, and they can be made by calling the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398.

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.

Over 50s will continue to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine at state-run centres or a participating GP clinic.

For vaccination centre locations and other information including opening hours visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccination-centres.