THE Victorian Government has reduced the dose interval for COVID booster shots to three months, just in time for a walk-up vaccination blitz starting today.
The government said the reduced timeframe of three months, recommended by Victoria’s public health team, meant 1.2 million more Victorians could now increase their immunity before school and work returned in full.
To support an anticipated increase in demand this weekend, more workers, more cubicles, more walk-up capacity and 60,000 more appointments will be available at key vaccination centres.
Hours at major hubs including Sandown, Bendigo and La Trobe University, have all been extended specifically for the blitz, which will run from until Monday, with key clinics also offering free ice-creams in collaboration with Unilever.
Walk-up vaccinations will be available and are encouraged at a number of state-run centres, with the closest to Swan Hill at the Bendigo Vaccination Hub (walk-up 9am to 8pm).
Premier Daniel Andrews today he would not rule out mandating the third dose for workers other than healthcare staff.
“I don’t rule out there being other groups that become the subject of a mandate,” he said.
“I think we’re very close to a change in policy that will reflect the fact that in order to be fully protected you need to have three doses – not two and an optional extra.”
Hope Aged Care boss Afif Hadj supported the mandate for the third dose.
“It is for the good of the person to have increased immunity,” he said.
Mr Hadj previously held strong views about vaccine mandates for healthcare workers.
“Nothing has changed,” he said.
“The elderly – my clients – are the most vulnerable. They need to be protected.”
He said no employees had refused to be vaccinated, while staff were being tested before every shift.
“Because Swan Hill is not a “hotspot”, we do not receive these free. I have and continue to pay for these,” he said.
“I need support with rapid antigen tests and other things such as masks and gloves,” he said when asked if the Federal Government was providing enough support to aged care industry.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced today 20 Australian Defence Force personnel will be deployed to Victoria to assist with driving ambulances in order to free up paramedics as the healthcare system struggles to cope.
The ADF personnel will arrive in Victoria tomorrow, with a further six defence members arriving as part of a planning team to support Victorian authorities.
Personnel will also assist Victorian authorities by taking Triple Zero calls.
Mr Andrews said he was grateful for the assistance, as the ADF would help to fill shortages in the health system.
