Nurse immuniser Michelle McGibbon inspects the new vaccination cubicles with member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan and Bendigo Health board chair Bob Cameron.
A community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic capable of vaccinating thousands of people each week will open in Central Bendigo later this month.
Bendigo Health will operate the new high-volume clinic at 113-133 Mollison Street from May 24.
Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan said the clinic was a significant milestone in the vaccination effort for the region.
“We have worked hard to make it easier and more accessible for people in the Loddon Mallee community to get their COVID-19 vaccination,” she said.
“For the region to fully recover from COVID-19 and prevent outbreaks in the future, we need everyone to get their jab as soon as possible. We encourage those who are eligible to visit the clinic,” she said.
Bendigo Health board chair Bob Cameron said when fully operational the clinic will have 40 vaccination cubicles and the ability to vaccinate around 1000 people per day.
“This is a clinic for the region, not just Bendigo. While we understand some people feel more comfortable getting vaccinated by their GP; anyone who is eligible and can make the trip to Bendigo should visit the clinic,” he said.
Mr Cameron said 8200 people have been vaccinated in the Loddon Mallee region.
“Our clinic on Stewart Street has this week done more than 300 vaccinations a day – we expect that to increase steadily with the opening of the new clinic,” he said.
The COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic will be open daily, from 10AM – 5PM. Car parking is available on McLaren Street. Accessible entry is via McLaren Street.
If you are aged 50 and over, you can register for the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine here: https://www.bendigohealth.org.au/Bookyourvaccination/ or call the State Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398.
The existing Vaccination Clinic located at 10 Stewart Street, Bendigo, is open daily from 10AM – 5PM.