COVID-19 vaccination program update

Today marks a key milestone in the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 vaccination program, with initial doses of the Pfizer vaccine being delivered to workers most likely to come into direct contact with a suspected COVID-19 case.

This initial rollout is commencing at Austin Health, Barwon Health and Western Health vaccination hubs, with the remaining six Victorian hubs due to begin operations in the coming weeks once this critical, high-risk workforce has been vaccinated.

Albury Wodonga Health (AWH) is expected to start administering vaccinations in early March, 2021.

A precise commencement date is not yet available due to its dependence on vaccine availability and allocation to the local region by the Commonwealth. In preparation for the local rollout, AWH’s Public Health Unit (PHU) has commenced work on establishing a Wodonga-based vaccination hub.

The PHU are in the final stages of securing a site, with details to be shared with the public soon.

In the first instance, trained health professionals will administer the Pfizer vaccine to eligible individuals within the five Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Wodonga, Wangaratta, Alpine, Towong and Indigo.

In addition, AWH is actively collaborating with Murrumbidgee Local Health District to ensure the vaccine is available and prioritised to front-line workers on both sides of the border.

Phase 1(a) priority groups within our region have been identified based on current public health, medical and epidemiological evidence on those at a high-risk of exposure, infection, and transmission of COVID-19.

This includes staff within the Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit, patient transport, and COVID clinic, testing and swabbing locations.

The AWH vaccination hub will also service public sector aged care staff and resident vaccinations, while the Commonwealth is responsible for providing the vaccine to residents and workers in private sector aged care and disability care.

Though the vaccine is not mandatory, AWH encourages everyone to consider participating in the program.

Getting vaccinated helps protect yourself, your family and your community from serious COVID-19 health implications. Should you have questions about the vaccine, there is a wealth of information available online.

We recommend staying up-to-date via reputable sources, such as the Australian Government website.

Further information about the vaccine rollout will be provided by the Australian Government over the coming weeks, and AWH looks forward to sharing these details with the community once confirmed.