When Victoria will hit 70 to 80 per cent vaccine targets

Victoria is set to reach its vaccine target in a matter of days— here’s exactly when we’ll hit the 70 per cent first jab threshold.

Victoria is racing to get jabbed to return to a normal way of life.

But when will we reach our target to have 70 to 80 per cent of the population fully vaccinated, and what freedoms will we get when we hit that mark?

Restrictions were due to ease from September 23, when 70 per cent of the population was expected to have had their first dose.

After a rush to get shots into arms in the past fortnight, especially AstraZeneca, and after opening Pfizer to under-40s, we’re now on track to see some minor freedoms kick in earlier on September 19.

Now that date is even closer than expected, with Victoria set to reach its first-dose target within a matter of days.

Premier Daniel Andrews said when the state reached that 70 per cent first dose target, Victorians would be afforded some minor freedoms.

Melbourne is on track to see restrictions ease with high vaccination rates. Picture: David Crosling.

DAILY VACCINE TRACKER

Victoria’s population (aged 16 and over) eligible for the vaccine sits at 5,407,574 — 70 per cent of which is 3,785,301 people.

National vaccine data, which takes in the number of Covid jabs at state-run and Commonwealth clinics reveals:

• 3,955,274 people had received the vaccine by Wednesday.
• 68.5 per cent of Victoria’s population has received their first dose, 41.9 per cent are fully vaccinated.

Mr Andrews said Victoria would soon become a “vaccinated economy” and those who chose not to be jabbed would be “locked out”.

The state and federal governments are now working on new technology, similar to the QR-code check-in app, which would show proof of vaccination.

People line up at the Melbourne Exhibition Building for Covid-19 vaccines.

Under changes being made to the check-in process, business owners would be informed whether or not prospective patrons were vaccinated.

“They don’t store that information but you’ll either get a tick or a cross … you’re either allowed in or you’re not,” Mr Andrews said.

“The economy, as best it can, will operate as close to normal as possible for people who had two doses. Everything from restaurants, cafes, retail, sporting events, theatre, the list goes on and on.”

Under the national plan, when 80 per cent of eligible Australians are fully vaccinated, lockdowns will end almost entirely and international travel will resume.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said states and territories would be able to move into a next stage when the national average for vaccinations — as well as that state or territory’s own average — met the relevant vaccination threshold.

Originally published as When Victoria will hit 70 to 80 per cent vaccine targets