The Traralgon Racecourse has become a priority COVID vaccination centre for workers in Commonwealth-managed private aged care facilities and the residential disability sector.
The five-day vaccination blitz started yesterday to give workers in these sectors priority access at walk-in vaccination hubs between 9am and 4pm when they present evidence of their employment.
Staff are eligible for either the Pfizer or AstraZeneca vaccines depending on their age. Priority access will be ensured by active queue management.
Aged care and disability workers are already eligible to be vaccinated at state hubs and can continue to attend at any time during opening hours.
However, this priority access five-day blitz will ensure they can be vaccinated quickly during peak periods and do not need to book in advance.
Health Minister Martin Foley said Victorians have been coming out in force to get vaccinated in the past week.
“Now we’re stepping in to make sure those who work in our most vulnerable settings have priority access to a vaccine to protect our most at-risk groups,” Mr Foley said.
“We’ve seen first-hand the devastation coronavirus causes among our aged and disability care population – alongside getting tested and isolating, vaccination is the best way to protect the most vulnerable Victorians.”
National Disability Insurance Scheme participants and other community members eligible for the vaccination program can also access their vaccinations at state-run vaccination sites.
The state government also urges people with a disability to make a booking if they are able to come to a vaccination centre. The nine priority centres in the state have enhanced accessibility.
As from the week ending May 30, more than 95,600 doses were administered through
state-run centres – an increase of 66 per cent from the previous week.
More than 22,000 Victorians aged between 40 and 49 have received their first dose of the vaccine, since vaccine eligibility at state-run sites was expanded to that age group last week.
The state government has promised vaccine capacity will increase in line with supply. Victorians are encouraged to continue booking their vaccine appointments through the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398 or by visiting walk-up centres if they are over 50.
