By Luke Voogt
The Surf Coast is set to become the second Victorian local government area (LGA) to reach 70 per cent vaccination with health authorities expecting a surge in second-dose bookings.
According to weekly federal health data, the Surf Coast Shire reached 67.1 per cent of residents aged 15 over fully-vaccinated against COVID-19 last Sunday.
Once Victoria reaches 70 per cent, patron limits will increase to 30 per indoor space while public gatherings can increase to 20 fully-vaccinated people, under state government’s reopening roadmap.
Caps will also increase for pools, community facilities, creative studios, weddings and funerals at the 70 per cent mark, expected on October 26.
First doses in the Surf Coast Shire, which has a median age of 42, have exceeded 95 per cent for residents aged 15 and over.
Queenscliff, which has a median age of 59, surpassed that mark a week ago and continues to lead the nation’s LGAs for fully-vaccinated residents on 83.4 per cent.
The previous Sunday the Borough of Queenscliffe became the first municipality to reach the Commonwealth’s second reopening target of 80 per cent.
State government’s reopening roadmap, based on the national plan, allows home visits and community sport to resume, along with significantly increased patron limits, once Victoria hits 80 per cent, expected to occur on November 5.
In greater Geelong, second doses increased from 53 to 56.5 per cent in the week to Sunday, with first doses jumping from 81.2 to 86.5 per cent.
Barwon Health public affairs director Kate Bibby said about 1500 people were getting vaccinated at the Ford vaccination hub daily, with “very few spare bookings at the end of each day”.
Ms Bibby said Barwon Health expected “a large increase” in second dose bookings in coming weeks.
AstraZeneca became available to the general public at state-run centres like the hub just over six weeks ago – the current wait time between first and second jabs.
Pfizer opened to the general public about five weeks ago, meaning another possible surge in second dose bookings could begin next week.
