Concern over disadvantaged northern suburbs’ lagging vaccine rates

The region’s public health boss has expressed concern over shockingly low Covid vaccination rates in one part of Geelong.

The region’s public health boss has expressed concern over Covid vaccination rates in Geelong’s northern suburbs, which are among the worst in the state.

Data released by the state’s health department this week revealed just 35 to 40 per cent of eligible people in the 3214 postcode, which includes Corio, Norlane and North Shore, were fully vaccinated.

Sixty to 65 per cent of the more than 21,000 people who are eligible for a vaccination and live in the postcode, home to Barwon Health’s vaccination hub at the former Ford Factory site, had received a first dose.

Health department data published Thursday showed 3214 had 21 active Covid cases – the most of any Geelong postcode.

The city’s northern suburbs struggle with poor health outcomes, and residents face shorter life expectancies.

In the 3215 postcode — which neighbours 3214 and includes Bell Park, North Geelong and Hamlyn Heights — 40 to 45 per cent of the more than 19,000 people eligible aged 12 and over were double-jabbed and 70 to 75 per cent had received a first dose.

Across Greater Geelong, 90.6 per cent of people 15 and over had received a first dose and 61.4 per cent were fully vaccinated as of Sunday.

Barwon South West public health unit director Eugene Athan said overall, the team was very pleased with how our community has responded to the vaccination rollout so far.

“However the low vaccination rates in the 3214 postcode area are concerning, and the Barwon

South West public health unit have been working over the past six months to connect with

vulnerable groups in the area, and reduce barriers to access vaccination,” Prof Athan said.

“Our team have been working with Diversitat, Volunteering Geelong, The Salvos, City of Greater Geelong, department of housing, local schools and other agencies to provide vaccination information and to reduce barriers to vaccination for people across Geelong.

“Many of these initiatives have had a focus in the city’s northern suburbs.”

Prof Athan said initiatives including online vaccine information sessions for youth groups in the north and mail outs to public housing residents and home care clients had been a part of the community engagement plan to ensure the most vulnerable people in our community could easily access vaccination.

Barwon South West public health unit director Professor Eugene Athan at the Barwon Health community vaccination hub. Picture: Alison Wynd

“Our outreach teams have also been providing many pop-up vaccination clinics across the northern suburbs,” he said.

“We hope that this work that has been occurring over the past few months will start to show in the numbers of people being vaccinated in the 3214 region as vaccine supply increases.”

Acting chief health officer Professor Ben Cowie flagged a school-based pop-up vaccination site would be established in Corio.

The health department is expected to release further details in coming weeks.

Western Victoria Primary Health Care Network chief executive Rowena Clift said there were 12 general practices in and around Norlane and Corio providing vaccinations.

“I encourage those still not sure about getting a vaccination to seek advice from their GP or trusted health care provider,” she said.

“Individuals yet to be vaccinated should not be complacent.”

About 20 pharmacies in or near the 3214 postcode are currently offering Covid vaccinations.

Originally published as Concern over disadvantaged northern suburbs’ lagging vaccine rates