As thousands of Victorian children prepare for their COVID-19 vaccinations tomorrow, the Victorian Government is doubling the number of state-run sites where five to 11-year-olds can get their first COVID-19 vaccine.
With an additional 18 state-run vaccination sites coming online for kids vaccinations, 36 family friendly state vaccination centres across Victoria will join GPs, pharmacists, and Aboriginal Controlled Community Health Organisations in a blitz to vaccinate five to 11-year-olds over January and February.
Most state-run centres will begin vaccinating kids this week, including more than 15 sites across metropolitan Melbourne and in Geelong, Shepparton, Traralgon, Ballarat, Ararat, Horsham, Bendigo, Kilmore, Warrnambool, Wodonga, Castlemaine, Colac, Echuca, Mansfield, Portland, Cobram, Swan Hill and Hamilton.
A family friendly forest theme with fun images of nature and animals will create a warm and welcoming environment for children receiving their vaccination.
Support is available for children with mild anxiety about vaccination, as well as children with developmental disabilities, autism and/or sensory needs. The Victorian Specialist Immunisation Service will be available for children who need specialist support.
There are 15 sites with enhanced disability access, including at Frankston, Heidelberg, West Melbourne, Caroline Springs, Clayton, and regional centres. The Campbellfield and Melton drive-through centres also have private appointments available via Disability Liaison Officers.
For children with autism who require a low sensory space, there are sites at the Austin Health, Campbellfield Ford Complex, Frankston Community Vaccination Hub, Wodonga Vaccination Hub, Belmont Civic Centre Disability Access Clinic, Monash Medical Centre, Bendigo Health and Traralgon Racecourse.
In the coming weeks, the vaccination blitz will receive another boost through a series of pop-ups sites - ensuring every Victorian child has access to vaccination.
The recommended vaccination schedule for most children in this age group is two doses of Pfizer vaccine eight weeks apart.
Parents and guardians can book their child’s vaccination through their local GP or pharmacy, or at a state-run centre through the coronavirus hotline or online at .
Quotes attributable to Acting Premier Jacinta Allan
“Being vaccinated protects children and reduces transmission within families, schools and in the community. This is especially true for people who are vulnerable such as grandparents.”
“We’re making it as easy as possible for all Victorian children to get vaccinated with additional support available for children with disabilities, autism or anxiety.”
Reviewed 09 January 2022