Geelong passes 90 per cent double vaccination rate as region tops 420 active cases

As Geelong reaches a significant double-jab rate fastest it is being hailed as an impressive achievement, but it comes with a stark warning.

The Geelong region has become the first in Victoria to hit 90 per cent of people aged 15 and over being fully vaccinated against Covid.

The region’s double dose rate for people 15 and up was at 90 per cent on Sunday, surging up from 83.7 per cent the week before.

The Geelong region maintained its lead in the state’s vaccination race, the new federal government data showed, with Warrnambool and South West in second place at 89.4 per cent.

For people aged 15 and up in local council areas, the Surf Coast joined the Borough of Queenscliffe in hitting more than 95 per cent double dosed.

And in Greater Geelong, 88.7 per cent of people aged 15 and over were fully vaccinated.

Barwon South West public health unit director Eugene Athan says the Geelong region’s double vaccination rate is an impressive achievement. Picture: Alan Barber

Barwon South West public health unit director Eugene Athan said the Geelong region’s double vaccination rate was an impressive achievement, of which the community should be very proud.

“However, as local Covid-19 cases rise we encourage everyone to ensure they book their second dose,” he said.

Prof Athan said as of 9am Monday, there were 25 patients in Geelong hospital with Covid-19, 10 of whom were in ICU.

“The average age of these patients is 45,” Prof Athan said.

“In keeping with our role as a Covid streaming hospital the inpatients come from Geelong and across the state.”

Thirty-five new cases were reported for Greater Geelong on Monday, and the municipality had 422 active cases.

Four new cases were reported for the Surff Coast and one for Golden Plains, health department data showed.

Victoria reported 1471 new Covid cases on Monday, while four people died with Covid.

Originally published as Geelong passes 90 per cent double vaccination rate as region tops 420 active cases