Warrnambool records highest number of first dose COVID-19 vaccinations in Victoria

Latest federal health data shows 57.9 per cent of the Warrnambool and south-west population aged over 15 have received their first jab, surpassing the entirety of Melbourne, Geelong and Bendigo.

In the past week the south-west saw the second fastest uptake of first doses, with 3.4 per cent of residents rolling up their sleeve, just behind west Melbourne (3.7 per cent).

The region is falling behind in second doses, coming third behind Geelong (33.9 per cent) and Bendigo (33 per cent), with 31.8 per cent of the south-west community fully inoculated.

25,742 vaccines were administered across Victoria on Monday at state-run hubs.

In Victoria, 47.39 per cent of the population have had at least one vaccine dose and 25.94 per cent have received their second dose.

READ MORE: Where to get a COVID-19 vaccine in south-west Victoria

Warrnambool has historically been a strong vaccination region and has one of the highest childhood immunisation rates in Australia.

In the 12-month age group the immunisation rate in Warrnambool as of June 30 this year was 98.97 per cent while in the two and five year age groups the vaccination rate was 100 per cent.

WARRNAMBOOL COVID NEWS

Council's immunisation coordinator Alison Elliott was thrilled with the latest results and praised the efforts of Warrnambool's immunisation providers - and of the parents and carers who were protecting their children against a range of diseases.

"Everyone is talking about COVID, which is understandable, but it's great to see that we are still recognising the importance of looking after our young people," Ms Elliott said.

"They may be at a lower risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID but they are still vulnerable to a range of other illnesses and diseases including polio, tetanus, pertussis, diphtheria, meningococcal and chicken pox."

Mayor Vicki Jellie said the early childhood vaccination rates in Warrnambool had been consistently high over a number of years.

"The COVID pandemic is highlighting the importance of vaccination and parents should feel reassured that their children are also protected against a number of ailments that in the past posed a serious health threat."

Ms Elliott said the immunisation providers were experiencing unprecedented workloads so achieving the top results was "exceptionally pleasing for our community".

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