By Luke Voogt
Health authorities are preparing to ramp up COVID-19 vaccinations in Geelong, with federal government expecting a million Pfizer doses arriving each week until late August.
“At this stage, Barwon Health is waiting on confirmation of vaccine supply, and more bookings will become available once this is confirmed,” Barwon South West Public Health Unit director Professor Eugene Athan said.
“Our daily capacity [at the Norlane vaccination hub] continues to be 2400 people; however, this is based on supply.”
Almost one million doses arrived in Australia earlier this week, including more than 800,000 in Sydney and almost 100,000 each in Melbourne and Perth.
The public health unit has so far delivered more than 130,000 doses across the Barwon South West region, including both the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines.
“Local GPs have also provided AstraZeneca and Pfizer doses through their general practices,” Professor Athan said.
“We are very pleased with how our community has responded to the vaccination roll-out.”
Professor Athan urged locals over the age of 60 who are yet to get vaccinated to do so, with supplies of the AstraZeneca vaccine available.
“There has been a strong demand for vaccinations with an increase in walk-ins and bookings for people over the age of 60 for AstraZeneca vaccinations,” he said.
“Our Pfizer vaccination sessions are being targeted to high-risk workers of any age such as healthcare workers, including aged care and disability workers.”
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) states that the benefits of the AstraZeneca vaccine outweigh the risks for people aged 60 and older.
The vaccine is available for people under 60 following an assessment of suitability by a qualified health professional.
But the ATAGI still recommends Pfizer as the preferred vaccine for people under 60.
Walk-in vaccinations are currently available to anyone over the age of 60 at Barwon Health’s mass vaccination hub at the old Ford Factory in Norlane.
Health Minister Greg Hunt indicated on Tuesday that the Pfizer rollout would not be extended to under 40s due to supply, despite the newly fast-tracked shipments.
“At this point in time we’re working through the 40 to 59 age group,” he told a press conference.
To book, phone the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398 or visit portal.cvms.vic.gov.au
