BALLARAT Health Services has announced that from Monday, 3 May the city\u2019s vaccination effort will grow.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Dale Fraser, CEO of Ballarat Health Services said the move was part of an extension of the current vaccination rollout.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe pivot\u2026 opens this up to people within the 1b group who are struggling to get through to GPs due to supply.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe following Monday, 3 May, people aged 50 and over will also be eligible and encouraged to book in.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cOnce thawed there is a time frame that the vaccination must be used within,\u201d Mr Fraser said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
The vaccination clinic is located on Main Road, Golden Point and a team of medical staff are on call if needs be.<\/p>\n