The Department of Health is to launch pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics in cafes, gyms, clubs and shopping strips across Melbourne.
Announcing the clinics, Minister for Health, Martin Foley said the first Neighbourhood Pop-Up opened in Degani on Wednesday (13 October) in Melbourne’s outer north.
“The Neighbourhood Pop-Up model is designed to support Victorians to get vaccinated with Pfizer at a convenient location, in a familiar setting, and in a culturally safe way – which is key to increasing uptake,” Mr Foley said.
“The Pop-Ups will vaccinate dozens of people over a two-to-three-hour period, delivered in partnership with the Victorian Government, local GPs, pharmacies and community organisations, and St John Ambulance,” he said.
“No bookings will be required at Neighbourhood Pop-Ups, which will be placed within marquees on shopping strips, inside cultural and community centres, or within popular retail, food and gym outlets.”
Mr Foley said Neighbourhood Pop-Ups were planned for suburbs in Melbourne’s mid and outer north, west and south east, with Broadmeadows, Craigieburn, Glenroy and South Morang among the next in line.
“We believe we can reach even more people by offering a chance to be vaccinated as they are going about their day-to-day, in a setting that’s familiar, comfortable and local,” he said.
“Victoria started this program with mass vaccination centres in some of Australia’s largest buildings and now we’re finishing it with mini-pop ups in the suburban cafes and shops that people visit every day,” Mr Foley said.
