The Department of Health has launched an autumn COVID-19 vaccination blitz ahead of the winter flu season, which is likely to see the virus co-circulating with influenza.
Announcing the blitz, Minister for Health, Martin Foley said more than 120 vaccination pop-up sites would be delivered throughout March, with a focus on areas where third dose uptake was lower than the State average of 62 per cent.
“The vaccination drive includes opportunities for Victorians to walk up to get vaccinated as they go about their daily lives, with vaccination available at libraries, sports facilities, malls, markets, festivals, playgrounds, primary schools and even at Bunnings,” Mr Foley said.
“More than 600 pop-ups have been set up since the beginning of the year across Victoria, with 60 delivered so far this month and another 60 remaining,” he said.
“Victorian figures show that two thirds of Victorians are getting their third dose when they fall due at three months – but there are still 1.7 million Victorians still due for their third dose.”
Mr Foley said GPs and community pharmacies were now delivering a larger share of the State’s vaccinations, up to 70 per cent, with the number of primary care providers administering vaccines increasing from fewer than 1,000 in the second half of 2021 to more than 2,000 this month.
He said due to this shift in distribution and demand, COVID-19 vaccinations would stop at the Royal Exhibition Building from Wednesday (23 March).
The Minister said St Vincent’s Health would continue to provide COVID-19 vaccines through outreach services and mobile vaccination vans, while the remaining larger fixed vaccination sites across suburban Melbourne would continue to operate.
“Don’t rely on two doses to get you through this winter,” he said.
“If you are due, make March the month you get your third,” Mr Foley said.
