AS of Monday, Ballarat Health Services\u2019 Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic at the Mercure Hotel\u2019s Eureka Ballroom has been vaccinating people aged fifty years and over.<\/p>\n
Grampians Public Health Unit operations director Robyn Wilson said BHS is confident with their Pfizer and AstraZeneca stock capacities, and can deliver up to 1000 vaccines per day.<\/p>\n
They are also accepting walk-ins, but strongly encourage people book ahead with the awareness that mornings are often busiest.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe turnout has been really strong. We\u2019ve been really delighted,\u201d Ms Wilson said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Mercure is very comfortable and warm, and we have put tents up so we can cope with queues and they don\u2019t get wet. It\u2019s a really great facility, and we\u2019re well supported by the Mercure.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe over-50s have made our numbers go up this week. People are keen to come in. We\u2019ll be moving to a bigger space again in a few weeks\u2019 time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle received her initial AstraZeneca vaccine on Monday morning, having booked into the clinic.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a great day to be over 50. Finally, people can come along and get their vaccination, and I\u2019m feeling very confident, and really glad that I\u2019ve started the vaccination process,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not just about us as individuals, it\u2019s about protecting our whole community, and this is our ticket back to the life that we love and cherish, being able to travel, see our elderly and the more vulnerable in our community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Settle said the State Government is glad to see mass centres like the one at the Mercure open, and the positive community response to them.<\/p>\n