17:59
If you are an older Victorian reading this and were wondering how you could pop down to a vaccination hub to get the jab today, chief health officer Brett Sutton has laid out what you should do.
Chief Health Officer, Victoria
(@VictorianCHO)You don’t need an appointment but bookings are encouraged – make one by calling 1800 675 398 (select option 3, option 2, option 2). The COVID vaccines protect you really well from this potentially life-threatening virus.
17:35
Good morning!
Matilda Boseley here, to get you through the Wednesday blues.
Despite the attention of the world being on Minneapolis, there is still plenty of news happening in Australia today, and I intend to bring all of it straight to you. (Well at least the interesting bits.)
The start with, three Victorian mass vaccination hubs will open their doors today to anyone over 70, with or without bookings, as states start ramping up vaccination efforts.
These new hubs are located at the Royal Exhibition building, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and Geelong’s former Ford factory. They are currently offering only the AstraZeneca jab, with Pfizer doses still prioritised for healthcare workers under 50 at hospital vaccination clinics.
Acting premier James Merlino has spoken to media this morning:
This is one way that we can expedite the vaccine rollout, as quickly as possible, particularly to our most vulnerable cohort …
We did take a hit to public confidence in our vaccination program. But we are seeing, particularly in older Victorians, them coming forward, and being very keen.
Victoria has also resumed its rollout of the AstraZeneca shot to eligible people under 50 after it was paused on 9 April, when Australian health officials confirmed a link between the vaccine and rare but potentially deadly blood clots. Those under the age of 50 will be required to sign a consent form outlining the risks of taking the vaccine. But to help quell fears the state’s chief health officer professor Brett Sutton will receive his first AZ jab today.
Chief Health Officer, Victoria
(@VictorianCHO)Our health services have worked hard to deliver the AstraZeneca vaccine to the highest safety standards. The risk of really serious adverse events is rare, which is why I’m getting my vaccination. The best vaccine to get is the one available right now.
Well let’s not delay any longer, and jump into the days news!
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