Torquay’s Hayley Tucker was among thousands of locals rolling up their sleeves this week as mass COVID-19 vaccination centres opened up to those under 40.
The HR manager and mother-of-two got the AstraZeneca jab at the Norlane hub on Wednesday to protect her children and help Australia exit lockdown.
“I think it’s important we all do this, otherwise we’ll never get out of these lockdowns,” the 38-year-old said.
“The Delta strain is so bad, and more children and young people are getting it.”
Ms Tucker had the injection at 11am and had yet to feel any side effects late that afternoon.
Some people develop a minor fever or other mild side effects after receiving the vaccine.
But Ms Tucker described that as a small price to pay for protection from the “horrific symptoms and long-lasting effects” of COVID-19.
She said she was “happy” to take the extremely small risk of blood clots associated with the AstraZeneca vaccine – two to three in 100,000 for her age group.
The possible complication was treatable if she remained vigilant, she added.
The chances of developing blood clots from the contraceptive pill or COVID-19 itself are much higher than from the AstraZeneca vaccine.
Ms Tucker has received one of about 175,000 vaccine doses administered in the Barwon South West region since the rollout began.
According to the latest weekly federal health data, 56.5 per cent of people aged 15 and over in Geelong alone had received their first dose as of last Sunday.
More than a third had received their second dose, making Geelong the most fully-vaccinated region in Australia.
These figures have likely increased with AstraZeneca bookings for people aged 18 to 39 remaining “strong” since eligibility opened last week, according to Barwon South West Public Health Unit director Eugene Athan.
“We encourage any young people to consider the AstraZeneca vaccine and to discuss it with their GP if they are unsure about it,” Professor Athan said.
To book phone 1800 675 398 or visit portal.cvms.vic.gov.au.
