Warrnambool leading the way with strong vaccination rates

Federal health department figures from August 8 show 54.5 per cent of the Warrnambool and south-west population aged over 15 have received a first COVID-19 vaccine dose, bringing the region second only to Bendigo at 54.8 per cent.

Second dose rates grew to 27.5 per cent in the south-west, surpassing Melbourne's inner-south (26.8 per cent) and sitting behind Bendigo (28.9 per cent) and Geelong (30.3 per cent).

On Monday and Tuesday there were 534 people vaccinated at the centre - 123 first doses and 411 second doses.

The news comes as Warrnambool's vaccine rollout stepped up to another gear, with people aged between18 and 39 able to receive an AstraZeneca vaccination at the mass vaccination hub from today.

South West Healthcare COVID-19 testing coordinator Sue Anderton said AstraZeneca doses would be increased at the Warrnambool vaccination centre and in Camperdown to cater for young people, from from 500 doses to 750 a week.

"There was an announcement last week by the state government to say now 18 to 39-year-olds could have AstraZeneca at vaccination centers so here at South West Healthcare we've worked through what that means," she said.

"It's exciting that we can offer AstraZeneca to 18 to 39-year-olds.

"It's currently by appointment only and that is essentially because we'd like a senior nurse to have a discussion with them before they have the AstraZeneca vaccine so it would just take a few minutes longer than a normal appointment."

Pfizer supply remains at 500 doses a week by appointment only for eligible patients only.

The Pfizer vaccine is also now being offered at the Camperdown hospital.

"Vaccination works because it builds herd immunity," Ms Anderton said

"We want to eradicate the COVID virus - at the end of the day that's our aim.

"Vaccination works because it keeps our communities safe."

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