New jab rolled out for Geelong

A NEW COVID-19 vaccine has become available to Geelong residents this week.

Barwon Health’s community vaccination hub began administering Novavax shots from Monday, after the vaccine’s manufacturer received approval from federal health authorities last month.

Novavax is a protein-based vaccine, which is an older, more traditional method of production that offers an alternative to more modern mRNA jabs that have previously circulated in Australia.

Barwon Health’s director of infectious diseases Eugene Athan said he hoped the new vaccine would increase coverage across Geelong.

“Our community has responded very well to COVID-19 vaccinations, meaning there is only a very small group of people in the region currently unvaccinated,” he said.

“As we commence Novavax vaccinations we expect we will see some of the community who have been waiting for this vaccine to come forward for a first dose.

“All vaccines have been tested and passed through a rigorous process of approval to public use. They are very safe and effective in preventing hospitalisation from COVID-19.

“We hope this new option of vaccine might encourage the last small group of unvaccinated people to come forward. It is evident from hospital data that the best thing someone can do to minimise their chance of hospitalisation is to get vaccinated.”

More than 95 per cent of residents aged 15 and over in the Greater Geelong and Surf Coast local government areas have received at least two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.

The Geelong hub is accepting bookings for Novavax jabs, alongside other boosters and vaccinations including for children aged five to 11.

The new vaccine is also available at participating GPs and pharmacies.

Meanwhile, Geelong’s vaccine rollout celebrated a special milestone during the week.

Tuesday (February 22) was exactly one year since the public health unit administered its first COVID-19 vaccine dose at St Mary’s Hall, Geelong, as part of a priority program for health workers.