Barwon Health pleads for booster shot uptake; one-quarter of Geelong Covid cases in under-12s

New coronavirus infections have been reported across three G21 municipalities as health authorities urge people to sign up for boosters.

Greater Geelong recorded 27 new cases of coronavirus, as of Friday.

Across the region three new coronavirus cases were recorded in the Surf Coast and two across the Golden Plains.

There were no deaths due to Covid-19 at University Hospital Geelong overnight on Thursday,

As of 9am there were 26 patients in University Hospital Geelong with Covid-19 including

seven of in ICU. The average age of these patients is 48.

Victoria recorded 1188 new cases and 11 deaths as of Friday.

Barwon South West public health unit director Professor Eugene Athan said there had been a

small increase in Covid-19 cases across the board, including hospitalisations.

“I also urge anyone who is currently due for their booster now to book in as soon as possible,” he said

The Community Vaccination Hub in Norlane is now offering booster doses to everyone who

received their second dose vaccination more than six months ago.

The Department of Health has commenced reminders for those that are currently due for their boosters. across the region.

30 active Covid cases at Geelong school

One-quarter of the region’s coronavirus cases are in children under the age 12, authorities have revealed.

Greater Geelong recorded 37 new cases as of Thursday, with seven cases recorded in the Surf Coast, four in the Golden Plains Shire and one new case recorded in the Colac-Otway region.

As of 9am Thursday there were 26 patients in Geelong with Covid-19 including eight in ICU.

The average age of these patients was 48. No new deaths were recorded in the region.

Across the state Victoria recorded 1179 new cases and six Covid deaths as of Thursday.

Barwon South West Public Health Unit director Professor Eugene Athan said there had been a small increase in local Covid-19 cases across the board, including hospitalisations.

Prof Athan said 82 active cases in the region were aged between 6 and 12, with 25 per cent of all current active cases are under the age of twelve.

Nazareth Catholic Primary in Grovedale. Picture: Alison Wynd

The current average age of all active Covid-19 cases in the region is 34 years.

Across the state the majority key outbreaks, listed by the Department of Health, are linked to schools.

Nazareth Catholic Primary School in Grovedale is classed as having a significant outbreak, which had reached 30 cases on Thursday.

“Hospitalisations over the past two years have fluctuated and our staff are prepared to increase

capacity within ICU and hospital wards when the needs arise as part of our pandemic plan,” Prof Athan said.

He said anyone is currently due for their booster shot should book in as soon as possible.

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

Geelong Covid booster shot uptake lagging

A little more than half of Geelong residents eligible for coronavirus booster doses have received their third shot, as the region experiences a spike in active Covid-19 cases.

Authorities announced on Tuesday that the Greater Geelong region had recorded 29 new cases of coronavirus.

A further three cases were recorded in the Surf Coast and one in the Golden Plains Shire.

As of 9am on Tuesday there were 25 patients in University Hospital Geelong with Covid-19, including eight in ICU.

The average age of these patients is 48.

Across the state 918 new cases and six deaths were recorded.

Barwon South West public health unit director Eugene Athan said it was vital the community remained vigilant.

Barwon South West public health unit director Eugene Athan says the new variant is an important reminder to have a Covid-19 booster shot as soon as eligible. Picture: Getty Images

He said to date, 55 per cent of people who had their first or second dose at Barwon Health and were eligible for a booster had their booster with Barwon Health.

“We have seen a recent spike in Covid-19 cases across the board, including hospitalisations, so we urge anyone still requiring a first or second vaccination to get vaccinated as soon as possible,” Prof Athan said.

“The recent discovery of Omicron variant is also an important reminder to get vaccinated.

For many, the news of the new Omicron variant may cause stress and worry.

“However the message at this stage is that it is too early to know what this new variant will mean.”

Prof Athan said the new variant was an important reminder not to become complacent when managing and responding to Covid-19.

He said booster shots were a “crucial part” of the vaccination program.

Average age of Covid hospital patients revealed

November 29

Greater Geelong recorded 23 new cases of coronavirus as of Monday, with authorities revealing the average age of patients in hospital.

Health authorities announced on Monday that three new cases of Covid-19 had been recorded in the Surf Coast Shire, one new case was recorded in the Colac-Otway Shire and a further two cases were recorded in the Golden Plains.

Across the state 1007 new cases were announced and three deaths were recorded.

Anyone who had their Covid-19 vaccine more than six months ago is urged to get a booster shot. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Daniel Pockett

Barwon South West public health unit director Eugene Athan said no deaths due to Covid-19 were recorded overnight on Sunday.

“As of 9am (Monday) morning there were 17 patients in University Hospital Geelong with Covid-19, seven of whom are in ICU,” he said.

“The average age of these patients is 48.”

Anyone who had their Covid-19 vaccine more than six months ago is urged to get a booster shot.

Booster dose walk-ins are currently available at the Community Vaccination Hub in Norlane or appointments can be made by calling 1800 675 398 or online portal.cvms.vic.gov.au.

Originally published as Barwon Health pleads for booster shot uptake; one-quarter of Geelong Covid cases in under-12s