Victoria’s army of COVID-19 vaccinators are to start returning to the public hospital system as the State’s network of vaccination centres begins to scale down.
The announcement from Minister for Health, Martin Foley follows the Commonwealth cuts of funding for the COVID-19 response beyond September and an increase in the number of people being vaccinated at GPs and pharmacies.
“The move will free up a workforce of highly skilled professionals to deliver other services across our health system,” Mr Foley said.
“By the end of May, approximately 30 State-run vaccination centres will remain in operation, with a focus on services in priority Local Government Areas and vulnerable communities,” he said.
“The Commonwealth’s COVID-19 vaccination program will also continue through GP clinics and pharmacies, which are now delivering up to 75 per cent of doses in the program – up from around 50 per cent during the Delta outbreak.”
Mr Foley said the time had come for workers to return to the public hospital system, “which is still under pressure”.
The Minister said demand had reduced and most Victorians had received their third dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
“Immunisation programs have a natural home in primary care and that’s where the Commonwealth’s program will endure over the long term,” he said.
“If you haven’t had your third dose, now’s the time to visit a State-run centre, GP or pharmacy to get protected ahead of winter.”
Mr Foley said the vaccination centre at the Alfred Hospital closed last week, after delivering more than 70,000 doses, and the high-volume centre at Cranbourne Turf Club would close in May.
