Warrnambool vaccine program expands to over 50s from Monday

Up until now, only those in the phase 1a and 1b group have been eligible for the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccine in the region.

From Monday May 3 that will be expanded to people over 50.

South West Healthcare chief executive Craig Fraser said its Warrnambool vaccination centre would receive its largest quantity yet - of a still very limited supply - of AstraZeneca next week allowing 500 people to be vaccinated between 9am-4.30pm on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

"SWH is urging locals who fit the target criteria to take advantage of this opportunity and, as soon as possible, make a booking online so as not to miss out," he said.

Despite the limited vaccine supply in the region, 2755 people in the 1b group have so far received the AstraZeneca vaccine from SWH.

A total of 3744 vaccines have been delivered so far, including 989 first and second doses of Pfizer for frontline workers.

"I am confident it won't be too much longer before a more steady supply flows, allowing us to get on with the job of vaccinating the people of our region," he said.

"I encourage all people over 50 years of age to have the vaccination to not only improve the health of your families but also our region as a whole."

Unlike Ballarat and Geelong, there isn't enough vaccine supply to open up vaccines to the whole community.

Kate Bibby, from Barwon Health, said as additional supply became available more sessions would be added.

"At this stage, only a small number of community vaccination hubs are operating across Victoria providing public access to vaccinations," she said.

"We expect a hub like this will open soon in Warrnambool, with planning underway."

South West Healthcare is operating clinics in Warrnambool Monday May 3, Tuesday May 4 and Wednesday May 5 from 8.30am to 4.30pm.

A Camperdown clinic is confirmed for Tuesday May 4 from 8.30am to 4.30pm.

When SWH opened the community vaccination hub in February, Mr Fraser expected 40,000 local people would be vaccinated in the next 12 months.

Now two months later the city is still waiting to open the doors to the wider community, due to a hold up in supply.

Bookings can be made via www.southwesthealthcare.com.au.

People with queries can call the SWH Vax Line on 0435 514 131.

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