Little River’s low Covid vaccination rate causing concern

Concerns have been raised about the staggeringly low vaccine uptake in one postcode, amid a push to bolster rates in Geelong’s north.

The region’s public health boss has voiced concern over Covid vaccination levels in Little River amid a push to bolster rates in Geelong’s north.

Data published by the Victorian health department this week showed just 20 to 25 per cent of eligible people aged 12 and up in the 3211 postcode, covering Little River, were fully vaccinated.

Rates in the 3214 postcode, encompassing Norlane, Corio and North Shore, have improved but were still low compared to other Geelong postcodes.

The data showed 45 to 50 per cent of people aged 12 and up in 3214 were fully vaccinated.

Federal government data showed as of Sunday 68 per cent of people aged 15 and up in Greater Geelong were fully vaccinated.

Barwon South West public health unit director Eugene Athan said it was pleasing to see a slight rise in the 3214 postcode.

“We are hopeful that the work being done to improve rates in this region continues to show positive results,” Prof Athan said.

“However the low vaccination rates in the Little River area are also concerning, and the

Barwon South West Public Health Unit are currently working on ways to increase

vaccination rates within this community.

“While the reasons for the low rates are not overly clear, language barriers, geographical access to a large vaccination hub or GP may be behind the low rates.

Professor Eugene Athan. Picture: Alison Wynd

“Our team are in initial discussions with Diversitat, the Department of Health and the Little

River community members to arrange a local pop-up vaccination clinic at the community

hall, which will include language support to minimise barriers to vaccinations for the entire

community.”

A pop-up vaccination clinic will be held at a Corio school campus this weekend focusing on 3214 residents and the Northern Bay P-12 College community.

The pop-up will be held from 10am to 2pm on Saturday and Sunday at 3-25 Goldsworthy Road.

Anyone aged 12 and over can get vaccinated at the clinic, with no booking required.

Councillor Anthony Aitken said he raised the issue of lagging jab rates in the city’s north following a recent Addy report.

He said Geelong council and Barwon Health had the ambition that the northern suburbs reach the same vaccination rates as the rest of Geelong.

“Local feedback I got was it’s not about hesitancy, the issues are about access and communication,” he said.

City of Greater Geelong chief executive Martin Cutter said council worked closely with Barwon Health to develop a campaign which promotes vaccination.

The campaign features a range of community members talking about why they have chosen to become vaccinated, and posing the question, ‘what’s your why?’.

Mr Cutter said the campaign was being promoted through channels including billboards and online.

“In response to identified need for more focus on the northern areas of the municipality, the City is planning a letterbox drop, greater visibility of the campaign through increased billboards and large-format signage in Corio and Norlane, and targeted social media,” he said.

Little River community members who require transport assistance to the Community

Vaccination Hub in Norlane can make a booking to access a vaccination appointment and the free community transport service by contacting Volunteering Geelong on 5221 1377 during business hours or email [e-mail]

Originally published as Little River’s low Covid vaccination rate causing concern