Pop-up flu clinic returning after breaking records in May

June 17, 2026 BY
Torquay pop-up flu clinic

Director Tash Jennings (left) and registered nurse immunisers Hannah McFadden (centre) and Bethany Phillips (right) recorded their most successful flu vaccination pop up in Torquay in May. Photo: William Crompton.

FOLLOWING the success of its biggest pop-up flu clinic in six years, Geelong Mobile Vaccination Services will return to Torquay this month.

Almost 200 people attended last month’s clinic, many of them first-time clients.

Registered nurse immuniser Hannah McFadden said several attendees praised the convenience and accessibility of the service.

“They just said it was really nice and liked that it was close to where they were,” she said.

The pop-up clinics are designed to make annual flu vaccinations easier to access, particularly for families who can attend together.

The clinic offers both the vaccination needle as well as the nasal spray option for children aged two to 17. Photo: Nyah Barnes.

 

Demand for the service continues to grow. After vaccinating about 1,800 people throughout 2025, Geelong Mobile Vaccination Services has already reached 2,700 people this year.

The clinics are also offering the new nasal spray influenza vaccine for children and teenagers aged two to 17.

Many visitors have also enjoyed meeting Juma, the service’s therapy dog, who helps ease anxiety for those feeling nervous about being vaccinated.

Therapy dog Juma (pictured with Tash Jennings) continues to attend the clinics helping make the experience easier for nervous clients. Photo: Nyah Barnes.

 

While flu vaccination rates remain lower than health authorities would like, annual immunisation can help protect vulnerable members of the community and reduce pressure on emergency departments during winter.

Geelong Mobile Vaccination Services also runs RSV vaccination days for residents of lifestyle villages.The Torquay pop-up clinic will be held on 27 June from 9am to noon at Torquay Community House.

An additional clinic will be held in Lara on 20 June.

Bookings can be made at geelongmobilevaccinationservices.as.me

Surf Coast Times – Free local news in your inbox

Breaking news, community, lifestyle, real estate, and sport.