Following National Cabinet’s expansion of population groups eligible to receive the vaccine and the success of day one of expanded access at high-volume vaccination centres, three further high-volume centres will open their doors to the eligible public in Victoria.
Victorians eligible under the Commonwealth-led rollout will be able to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine at high-volume vaccination centres located at the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital and Sunshine Hospital from tomorrow Friday 23 April, and at the Mercure Ballarat from Monday 26 April.
Victoria welcomes National Cabinet’s decision to expand population groups eligible to receive the vaccine and will work with vaccine providers and the Commonwealth on its implementation. From 3 May, Victorians aged over 50 will be able to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine at Victoria’s high-volume sites, or from their local GP from 17 May.
When implemented, the six high-volume sites – including the Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, and the former Ford factory in Geelong – will provide more options for people in these population groups to get vaccinated. More sites will also be announced in the coming weeks.
More than 1,000 people were vaccinated yesterday at the three expanded high-volume centres alone – which is a large increase from the same day last week.
Booking numbers continue to increase, with thousands of calls over the past few days. Bookings are being spread across the coming days and weeks to suit the person being vaccinated, with many required to wait the recommended two weeks after receiving their flu vaccination.
Phone bookings are recommended for high-volume vaccination sites, but walk-in appointments will also be available. Information on how eligible Victorians can access high-volume sites for forward bookings and walk-in appointments, including wait times, is available at coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccine.
Victoria will continue to work closely with the Commonwealth, health services and general practice on the national rollout. For more information about the Commonwealth’s vaccination program, visit health.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Martin Foley
“We’re making it easy and accessible for eligible Victorians to get vaccinated – with six high-volume sites across Melbourne and regional Victoria.”
“We had strong numbers yesterday and we look forward to seeing a steady build-up of appointments over the coming days and weeks for those Victorians who are eligible, including those aged over 50 in the coming weeks.”
“While there are more options for the public to get vaccinated, we still encourage Victorians to get vaccinated locally at their GP if that is where they feel most comfortable.”
Reviewed 22 April 2021