Covid-19 coronavirus cases: How many cases in Victoria today

Victoria has recorded more than 12,000 new Covid cases for the third day in a row, while another four people have lost their lives.

Only 66.1 per cent of eligible Victorians have received their booster jab.

Victoria has recorded more than 12,000 new Covid cases for the third day in a row, while another four people have lost their lives.

The state recorded 12,314 cases on Thursday, with 8252 people testing positive on a rapid antigen test and 4062 testing positive on a PCR test.

It follows 12,150 cases on Wednesday, and 12,007 on Tuesday.

But the number of people in hospital has dropped from 331 on Wednesday to 283 on Thursday.

There are two people on a ventilator.

Casey has the highest number of active cases in the state (3195) followed by Greater Geelong (2705), the City of Whittlesea (2280) and Wyndham (2039).

It comes as new data from the Victorian Department of Health suggests people who have recently had Covid are more likely to be overdue for their third dose.

While 94.4 per cent of Victorians aged 12 and over have had two doses of a Covid vaccine, only 66.1 per cent of Victorians aged 18 and over have had three jabs.

Just 54 per cent of Hume residents have had their third jab, according to data from the Federal Government released on April 5.

Other areas with low booster shot uptake include Melton (61 per cent) Casey (62.1 per cent) and Wyndham (62.5 per cent).

Queenscliffe continues to lead the way with booster shot uptake, with 85.4 per cent of eligible residents receiving their third jab.

Residents in Mount Alexander (80.8 per cent), Boroondara (79.3 per cent) and Bayside (78.4 per cent) have also rolled up their sleeves in high numbers.

According to the Department, third-dose uptake continues to increase across priority LGAs, with coverage in Hume and Whittlesea rising about two percentage points each week on average.

More than 950 pop-ups have been held across the state since the beginning of the year to increase vaccine access points in key Local Government Areas, with at least 50 more pop-ups scheduled for early April.

A Department of Health spokesperson said the data was clear.

“Getting your third dose significantly reduces your chances of getting Covid-19, passing it on to others or going to hospital,” the spokesperson said.

“We’re working hard to boost third-dose coverage across the state – calling and texting thousands of Victorians each week, opening pop-ups in key areas, and working with local communities.”

If you have tested positive for Covid, you can have your next dose of the vaccine once you have fully recovered, or you can choose to defer the dose for up to four months after your Covid infection, according to the Federal Government’s Department of Health website.

Residents are urged to speak with their health care provider for advice.