Geelong leads Victoria in COVID-19 vaccinations and is ranked third in all of Australia, according to federal health data released this week.
With 25.9 per cent of people over 15 fully-vaccinated in Geelong, the city sits behind only Launceston (27 per cent) and North Sydney and Hornsby (26.9 per cent) out of 107 level 4 statistical areas (SA4) across Australia.
Geelong also ranks fourth for first doses received on 51.4 per cent, behind Warrnambool and South West (51.6 per cent), North Sydney and Hornsby (51.9 per cent) and Bendigo (52.6 percent).
The figures come after the Independent first revealed in June that Geelong’s vaccination rate was 50 per cent higher than the Victorian average.
Barwon South West Public Health Unit has administered more than 141,000 doses across the region so far, according to its director Eugene Athan
“[We are] very pleased with the vaccination take up rate in our community,” Professor Athan said.
“Barwon Health has capacity to deliver significantly more vaccinations once additional vaccine supply is available, which is expected in September.”
Professor Athan said Barwon Health’s mass vaccination hub in Norlane had experienced an increase in bookings and walk-ins for Astra Zeneca, and bookings for Pfizer.
“Local GPs have also played a vital role providing vaccinations at their practices.
“Our staff and partner organisations have also directly engaged with key leaders and groups in the community that would traditionally be less likely to access health care.
“Our partnership with local groups such as Diversitat, Volunteering Geelong and other agencies has helped to ensure our most vulnerable communities are able to access vaccination.”
Bookings and walk-in Astra Zeneca vaccinations are available to anyone over the age of 40, with anyone aged between 40 and 60 requiring a consultation with Barwon Health’s immunisation team.
Limited Pfizer bookings are available each week for people aged 40 to 60, with priority access for health, aged care and disability workers of any age.
Meanwhile, a Barwon Heads man previously in a critical condition after contracting COVID-19 was “improving gradually” and in a stable condition this week, Professor Athan said.
Health authorities have now cleared several hundred people in the region previously isolating following Victoria’s delta outbreak, he said.
