Vulnerable and disadvantaged Victorian children will soon have the chance to get their COVID-19 vaccine among lions, meerkats, sharks, dinosaurs, robots and starlit galaxies.
\nStarting on 12 February, COVID-19 vaccination pop-ups will roll out in some of Victoria\u2019s most iconic venues \u2013 including Scienceworks, Melbourne Zoo and Sealife Aquarium \u2013 with each site intended specifically for vulnerable children or those living with disability.
\nVictoria\u2019s pop-ups for kids \u2013 or \u2018K-pops\u2019 \u2013 will start at nine initial locations across Melbourne. Each site will be able to administer up to 100 paediatric doses each weekend and will supplement the network of state-run, enchanted forest-themed vaccination centres across Victoria.
\nMinister for Health Martin Foley said they know needles can be a bit daunting for kids.
\n\u201cBut the young ones that come to our vaccination centres they are entering an enchanted forest of protection,\u201d he said.
\n\u201cWe\u2019re proud to have established Australia\u2019s most diverse and successful COVID-19 vaccination program.\u201d
\nInitially vaccine recipients at these venues will be invitation-only, with the Department of Health and the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing identifying children with potential access issues.
\nInvitees will include children from out of home care, living with disability or in contact with specialist services.
\nK-pops will be hosted at:
\nMelbourne Zoo
\nHealesville Sanctuary
\nWerribee Open Range Zoo
\nSealife Aquarium
\nMelbourne Museum
\nImmigration Museum
\nScienceworks
\nState Library of Victoria
\nLegoland
\nThe Department of Health has worked closely with host venues to ensure a safe and clinical environment. Parents, carers and guardians of children attending for vaccination will receive entry passes to visit the venues \u2013 and the sites will not accept walk-ups.
\nVictorian schools last week were a great success, with more than 6,000 people vaccinated \u2013 around half of which were children between 5 and 11.
\nMany of Victoria\u2019s \u2018enchanted forest of protection\u2019 state-run centres are open for walk-ups for children.
\nCheck details or book at a state-run centre by visiting www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au\/vaccination-centres. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Vulnerable and disadvantaged Victorian children will soon have the chance to get their COVID-19 vaccine among lions, meerkats, sharks, dinosaurs, robots and starlit galaxies. Starting on 12 February, COVID-19 vaccination pop-ups will roll out in some of Victoria\u2019s most iconic venues \u2013 including Scienceworks, Melbourne Zoo and Sealife Aquarium \u2013 with each site intended specifically […]<\/p>\n