Victorian Government doubles child-friendly vaccination sites
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The Victorian Government is doubling the number of child-friendly state-run sites where five to 11-year-olds can get their first vaccine in preparation for the thousands of children that will be receiving their COVID-19 vaccinations.
18 state-run vaccination sites have come online for kids’ vaccinations, bringing 36 family-friendly state vaccination centres to join the blitz to vaccinate five to 11-year-olds throughout January and February.
“Being vaccinated protects children and reduces transmission within families, schools and in the community. This is especially true for people who are vulnerable such as grandparents,” Acting Premier Jacinta Allan said.
In order to support children with mild anxiety about vaccination, as well as children with developmental disabilities, autism and/or sensory needs, centres will be providing a family-friendly forest theme to create a warm and welcoming environment.
Aside from this, the Victorian Specialist Immunisation Service will also be available for children who need specialist support.
“We’re making it as easy as possible for all Victorian children to get vaccinated with additional support available for children with disabilities, autism or anxiety,” the Acting Premier said.
There are 15 sites with enhanced disability access. This includes centres at Frankston, Heidelberg, West Melbourne, Caroline Springs, Clayton, and other regional centres.
The Campbellfield and Melton drive-through centres also have private appointments available via Disability Liaison Officers.
For children with autism who require a low sensory space, vaccination centres have been made available for them at the Austin Health, Campbellfield Ford Complex, Frankston Community Vaccination Hub, Wodonga Vaccination Hub, Belmont Civic Centre Disability Access Clinic, Monash Medical Centre, Bendigo Health and Traralgon Racecourse.
Most of the child-friendly state-run centres will begin vaccinating kids this week, including more than 15 sites across metropolitan Melbourne and in Geelong, Shepparton, Traralgon, Ballarat, Ararat, Horsham, Bendigo, Kilmore, Warrnambool, Wodonga, Castlemaine, Colac, Echuca, Mansfield, Portland, Cobram, Swan Hill and Hamilton.
In the coming weeks, the vaccination blitz will receive another boost through a series of pop-ups sites – ensuring every Victorian child has access to vaccination.
The recommended vaccination schedule for most children in this age group is two doses of Pfizer vaccine eight weeks apart.
Parents and guardians can book their child’s vaccination through their local GP or pharmacy, or at a state-run centre through the coronavirus hotline or online.
Source: Premier of Victoria Media Release
Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.
