The Swan Hill Commonwealth Vaccination Clinic has moved to Tristar Medical Group Swan Hill, 152-162 Campbell Street, from its former High Street location.
On its first day, last Thursday, 119 vaccinations were administered, with the majority being second doses of AstraZeneca, Swan Hill District Health (SHDH) chief executive Peter Abraham said.
At September 5, 65.2 per cent of Swan Hill council area people aged 15 and over had received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine in Swan Hill, and 38.6 per cent their second.
The percentages are based on the 2019 figure of 16,639 people being 15 and over.
Janine and Robert Forster were the first two people to receive their COVID-19 vaccine at the new location.
Both received their second AstraZeneca dose, having had their first at the High Street clinic.
Mr Forster said the relocation would be “good for everyone”.
SHDH executive director of medical services Rex Prabhu said the move enabled the health service to improve its access to vaccines and offered the opportunity to expand services as required.
“It will also provide a more central location for our local community,” Mr Prabhu said.
Mr Abraham said SHDH was administering 120 doses a day, which could increase to 160 doses a day in coming weeks.
The number of vaccinators will increase from three to four.
Mr Abraham said the SHDH campaign was targeting truck drivers, as the NSW Government had mandated that all truck drivers be vaccinated.
“We need to make spots available for them and tidy up any health care staff or other priorities,” he said.
Mr Abraham said SHDH was receiving about 800 Pfizer doses, with an increasing number of doses also being delivered for the state hub in Kerang.
“COVID-19 is still around, so we’re still pushing people for vaccines,” he said.
“Restrictions have eased, but it doesn’t mean that we stop.”
Mr Abraham said the move freed up space at the High Street building for specialists, including oncologists, to visit.
Vaccinations can be booked through the Swan Hill District Health online booking system at https://www.shdh.org.au/ourservices/covid-19-vaccination/, which also provides further information on eligibility, availability and advice.
Tests are available at SHDH’s drive-through COVID-19 testing site on McCallum Street, open 9am to 1pm daily.
Mr Abraham said about 40 people were going through the testing site each day, the majority being truck drivers, who must be tested every three days.
Vaccination rates at September 5
Victoria
Buloke
First dose: 77.3 per cent
Second dose: 52.4 per cent
LGA population 15 and over: 5123
Gannawarra
First dose: 71.2 per cent
Second dose: 40.4 per cent
LGA population 15 and over: 8756
Loddon
First dose: 68.1 per cent
Second dose: 41.3 per cent
LGA population 15 and over: 6339
Swan Hill
First dose: 65.2 per cent
Second dose: 38.6 per cent
LGA population 15 and over: 16,639
Yarriambiack
First dose: 72 per cent
Second dose: 47.7 per cent
LGA population 15 and over: 5517
New South Wales
Balranald:
First dose: 43.9 per cent
Second dose: 27.2 per cent
LGA population 15 and over: 1859
Murray River:
First dose: 79.1 per cent
Second dose: 49.8 per cent
LGA population 15 and over: 9910
