Young people get Pfizer at Warrnambool's vaccination hub

But a steady stream of younger people got their first Pfizer jab at the city's hub, after successfully securing appointments, while others locked in times within the next fortnight.

Staff early in the day told some younger people they could not switch an AstraZeneca vaccine booking for a Pfizer appointment, despite the state government saying people under 40 with existing appointments would be offered a choice.

Later on these teething issues were seemingly resolved as young people reported receiving the vaccine of their choosing.

READ MORE: COVID-19 outbreak among young people continues as south-west vaccine bookings 'extraordinary'

"It's really well run," Warrnambool's Natasha Vail said after her appointment.

The opening of 450,000 bookings to people aged 16 to 39 in Victoria on Wednesday prompted Ms Vail and her partner, both in their 30s, to make a booking the day before. She received the vaccine she wanted on Wednesday.

"As a younger person I wanted to get vaccinated earlier," Ms Vail said. "We got here and they sent us to the Pfizer one and I said 'that's pretty easy'."

She said the vaccination helped her keep the community safe and feel comfortable spending time with a loved one in palliative care.

Gnotuk's Ben Aitkins, 19, booked in his Pfizer appointment as soon as he heard he was eligible.

He got his first dose on Wednesday and hopes it will help him get back out on the footy field and hanging out with mates.

"I wanted to help the community out and do my part to get rid of COVID," he said.

Warrnambool's Anthony Rye, also in his 30s, made a vaccine booking at 4am on Wednesday morning and said concerns about supply made him want to get it as early as possible.

"The scarcity definitely played a part," he said. "But also just wanting to get it done and do the right thing."

Victoria's booking website appeared to buckle within minutes of appointments becoming available on Wednesday, with many receiving error messages after waiting an hour to secure appointments.

South West Healthcare COVID-19 coordinator Sue Anderton told The Standard in an emailed statement the Pfizer vaccinations would continue to be by appointment only.

"Bookings are in high demand in both Warrnambool and right across the state and we ask for your patience at this time," she said.

"We encourage you to keep an eye on the website as more bookings become available over the next few weeks."

The SWH vaccination hub will still offer AstraZeneca to over 18s by appointment only and walk-ins to everyone aged 40 and above.

"We remind the community that the best vaccine is the one you can receive today," Ms Anderton said.

"SWH is encouraged with our high vaccination rate in south-west Victoria and look forward to continuing our efforts together to keep our community safe."

Meanwhile, Portland District Health's community vaccination clinic will offer weekly Pfizer appointments, up from once every three weeks, thanks to a supply boost.

PDH COVID vaccination program executive sponsor Claire Holt welcomed the extra supplies and changes to the eligibility criteria.

"This is good news; it makes it simpler and will encourage more people to start their vaccination process," she said.

The state government revealed on Wednesday it aimed to vaccinate all final year students by the time they sat their end-of-year exams.

Warrnambool College principal David Clift, in a note to parents, encouraged final year students to make an appointment.

"Final year students are asked to consider getting their first vaccine before the GAT on 9 September," Mr Clift said.

"In addition, it's recommended not to get the vaccine on the day of an exam, or the day before an exam - to avoid feeling common but mild side effects."