Mildura COVID-19 vaccines: Phase 1a rollout date yet to be confirmed

While Mildura GPs are about to receive vaccines, there is no update on when the region’s highest priority recipients will get their jabs.

Priority workers have been left in the dark about when they will be vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus despite doses arriving at Mildura GPs.

The first phase of vaccinations was supposed to include health workers and people in aged care — an announcement the Victorian Government has yet to make for Mildura.

However a list released naming 1000 general practices that will receive delivery of the AstraZeneca doses as part of phase 1b includes three locations in Mildura and one in Irymple.

These clinics are Ontario Medical Clinic, Ontario Family Practice, Lime Medical Clinic and Irymple Medical Centre.

Mallee federal Nationals MP Anne Webster said indigenous health services including MDAS and GP respiratory clinics would also be included.

Dr Webster expected other clinics to be added in coming weeks.

But the State Government is still yet to announce information for Mildura about phase 1a.

Last month Bendigo Health was announced as a rollout hub for the entire Loddon and Mallee regions.

At the time confidence was expressed that the Pfizer vaccine could make it from the hub to Mildura and be administered to patients.

However, a Victorian Department of Health spokesperson this week could provide no update when asked about the rollout to Mildura, Robinvale and Ouyen.

“The rollout timeline of the COVID-19 vaccine in the Mildura region is dependent on the delivery of the vaccine from the Commonwealth,” the spokesperson said.

“Bendigo Health continues to work through the logistics for the Commonwealth’s vaccination program in the Loddon Mallee region.”

Across the border from Mildura in New South Wales, phase 1a vaccinations were set to start next week.

Far West Local Health District chief executive Umit Agis told the ABC a clinic at Wentworth will be established on Tuesday.

To the west of Mildura in South Australia’s Riverland region, vaccinations were scheduled to start at a Berri clinic this week.

Dr Webster said those states had shown what was possible.

“Where is Victoria on this? South Australia and New South Wales can manage it, so one would understand that this is about Victoria’s management and ability to facilitate or administrate the vaccine,” she said.

Dr Webster said she had received assurances from Health Minister Greg Hunt that in remote towns with small populations, such as Murrayville, the entire town’s vaccinations will take place at once, rather than in phases.

She said Australia was in an “incredibly fortunate” position compared with other countries with high numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths.