Brave kids step up at hero-themed hub

The Surf Coast’s youngest superheroes have rolled up their sleeves to receive their COVID vaccinations at a custom-made, themed vaccination hub.

Great Ocean Road Health (GORH) went the extra mile to create a safe, comforting atmosphere at its Lorne and Apollo Bay Medical Centres, as its general practice clinics began jabbing children aged five to 11 this month.

The regional health service arranged its own decorations and paraphernalia to create their own kid-friendly vaccination hub boost the experience of shot-ready kids, mimicking state-run centres such as Barwon Health’s Community Vaccination Hub at Geelong.

Specially designed vaccine stickers, band-aids, colouring kits, a bubble machine and the all-important post-jab lollipops were all on hand and in the hero theme.

GORH chief executive officer Sandy Chamberlin said the health service implemented its superhero theme to create a welcoming space for children, siblings, parents and carers, to provide regional kids with the same experience as in the city without having to drive more than an hour to access a vaccine.

“We have been delighted with the response to our children’s clinics. Our goal was to ensure we provided a relaxed, fun and safe environment for our mini superheroes,” Ms Chamberlin said.

GORH said it had vaccinated more than 270 local children with their first doses at its clinics in time for the start of the school year this week.