COVID clinic to expand services

BALLARAT Health Services has announced that from Monday, 3 May the city’s vaccination effort will grow.

That means anyone over 50 can receive a COVID-19 jab at the Mercure Hotel and Convention Centre clinic, after an increase in the number of people in the phase 1b cohort saw expanded access earlier this week.

Dale Fraser, CEO of Ballarat Health Services said the move was part of an extension of the current vaccination rollout.

“Our role was limited to health care and front-line workers, and those outlined in 1b, this is now being opened up to people aged 50 years and over,” he said.

“The pivot… opens this up to people within the 1b group who are struggling to get through to GPs due to supply.

“The following Monday, 3 May, people aged 50 and over will also be eligible and encouraged to book in.”

Currently the clinic is seeing about 200 people a day, but Mr Fraser said that number could increase to up to 1200 depending on the availability of vaccines and staff.

With the expansion in people getting the jab, Mr Fraser urged those who want the vaccine to book before attending the clinic, even though there are plans to take walk-ins.

“Once thawed there is a time frame that the vaccination must be used within,” Mr Fraser said.

“We take walk ins however this causes uncertainty and depending on the demand on the day and how many vials have been thawed, there will be a waiting period.”

The vaccination clinic is located on Main Road, Golden Point and a team of medical staff are on call if needs be.

For more information visit bhs.org.au/news-and-events/covid-19-information/vaccination and to book call 1800 675 398.