Greater Geelong records 37 new cases; boosters start local rollout

A Geelong port worker has revealed why he was eager to take up a Covid-19 vaccine booster at the first opportunity, as the region’s latest jab data is revealed.

Greater Geelong was among the 10 local government areas with the highest number of new cases in the state on Monday.

Thirty-seven new cases were reported for the municipality.

The Surf Coast and Colac-Otway recorded one new case each.

On Monday, Victoria reported 1126 new cases and five deaths among people with Covid.

Geelong’s latest Covid vaccine numbers

The Geelong region has maintained its lead in the state’s Covid vaccination race.

An impressive 93.8 per cent of people aged 15 and over in the Geelong region were double dosed as of Sunday, up from 90 per cent a week prior.

For people aged 15 and up in local council areas, in Greater Geelong, 92.6 per cent were fully vaccinated, the new federal government figures show.

The Surf Coast and the Borough of Queenscliffe had already achieved more than 95 per cent double dosed.

Barwon South West Public Health Unit director Eugene Athan said the region’s rate was pleasing, and getting jabbed was important.

Mark Senjov celebrates his third Covid vaccination with selfie at the Ford hub with nurse immuniser Sara Cole. Picture: Alison Wynd

“We appreciate everyone that has come forward to get vaccinated,” Prof Athan said.

Booster doses are now available at Barwon Health’s community vaccination hub to adults who had their second dose more than six months ago.

A Covid-19 booster dose helps prevent waning immunity.

Eligible people will receive the Pfizer vaccine as their booster dose.

They can safely get this Pfizer booster dose regardless of which Covid-19 vaccine they received for their initial doses.

One of the first to receive a booster dose was local man Mark Senjov from Port of Geelong, who was keen to roll up his sleeves to ensure he was protected both at work and around his loved ones.

“In my line of work we are at a higher risk of passing it on to a ship’s crew who are very vulnerable, so it was really important to me to get the booster shot to ensure I was still protected,” he said.

“It was also important to give me peace of mind in knowing that I’m helping to protect my family and friends.”

Prof Athan said boosters helped prevent loss of immunity over time.

“A booster dose increases your protection against infection with the virus that causes COVID-19, severe disease and dying from COVID-19,” Prof Athan said.

“We highly recommend that everyone, especially people in high risk settings, or vulnerable people with pre-existing medical conditions consider having a booster shot.

“A booster dose will continue to protect you, your loved ones and your community against COVID-19.”

Pharmacists and GPs are also participating in the booster program.

GPs are already contacting their patients with reminders for when their boosters are due.

It’s expected state clinics may do the same.

To make a booking at Barwon Health’s hub at the former Ford site in Norlane, phone [phone].

Walk-ins are also available.

Originally published as Greater Geelong records 37 new cases; boosters start local rollout