Geelong continues amazing Covid vaccination effort

Geelong continues to power ahead in the Covid vaccine race. Here’s the latest statistics for the region.

New data reveals an impressive 94.7 per cent of people aged 15 and up in the Geelong region had at least one Covid vaccine dose as of Sunday.

The figure was up from 91.7 per cent a week prior.

The only region in Victoria with a higher rate was Warrnambool and South West, which had surpassed 95 per cent, the federal government data showed.

And almost 70 per cent of people aged 15 and up in the Geelong area were fully vaccinated, at 69.2 per cent, up from, up from 62.6 per cent a week earlier.

Bellarine Respiratory Clinic in Ocean Grove giving Covid vaccinations, with nurse immuniser Sarah Booth giving 12-year-old Oliver his jab Picture: Mark Wilson

For people aged 15 and up in local council areas, the statistics showed as of Sunday:

• In Greater Geelong, 93.7 per cent had received at least one dose and 68 per cent were fully vaccinated;

• On the Surf Coast, more than 95 per cent had at least one dose and 78.7 per cent were fully vaccinated; and,

• For the Borough of Queenscliffe, more than 95 per cent had received at least one dose and 92.5 per cent were fully vaccinated.

The Borough led the nation’s council areas with the highest percentage of fully vaccinated people over 15, according to the figures.

The state government announced on Monday all Victorians aged 12 and up would have access to mRNA vaccines through state-run centres, including Barwon Health’s community vaccination hub at Norlane.

Victorians 60 and over can book to receive Pfizer or Moderna at any of Victoria’s vaccination centres.

Bellarine Respiratory Clinic in Ocean Grove giving Covid vaccinations. with Dr John Corns and nurse immuniser Colleen Delaney with vaccinations Picture: Mark Wilson

Health Minister Martin Foley said this change – which is now in effect – was made possible after a boost to Moderna and Pfizer supply, and an extraordinary number of young Victorians stepping up to receive their first dose of the vaccine.

Barwon South West public health unit director Professor Eugene Athan thanked the wider community for showing such dedication to protecting themselves, as well as their families and their community.

“It is important to get vaccinated as soon as possible and we’re pleased that we can now offer Moderna via walk-in appointments at our Community Vaccination Hub, as of Tuesday October 12,” he said.

For more information, and to book your vaccination at Barwon Health’s Norlane hub, visit www.barwonhealth.org.au/coronavirus/booking-a-vaccination.

Bellarine Respiratory Clinic, supported by the federal government and based at the Epichealth site on Guthridge St, Ocean Grove, has been administering AstraZeneca and Pfizer shots.

Epichealth chief operations officer Jeremy Forrester said demand for vaccinations had been incredibly strong.

People can book jabs at the clinic online or via phone.

People can book at their local GP or pharmacist by visiting covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility.

Originally published as Geelong continues amazing Covid vaccination effort