VICTORIANS aged 18 and above can now get the COVID-19 vaccine Novavax through selected state-run centres as well as GPs and pharmacies.
Health Minister Martin Foley said Australia’s recent approval of the vaccine provided another option for the small number of Victorians who had yet to get a first or second dose.
It comes amid reports complacency was creeping into Victoria’s COVID booster rollout as daily rates slowed drastically last week and authorities looked for ways to accelerate uptake before winter.
It is recommended Novavax be given in two doses at least three weeks apart. Novavax is not yet approved for use as a third vaccine dose or for children, but can be used with another approved COVID-19 vaccine as either a first or second dose.
To get Novavax or any other vaccine, Victorians can call the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398 or book online at portal.cvms.vic.gov.au. Appointments at GPs and pharmacies can be made at health.gov.au.
About 55.2 per cent of Victorians aged 18 and over have had three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.
A Melbourne newspaper analysis shows just 193,510 doses were administered over the five days to Friday last week, down from a peak of 328,842 doses for the same period in mid-January.
Pop-up clinics at shopping centres, railway stations and sports events are being considered to help reach those waiting to get their third shot.
While Australia’s booster program remains among the world’s fastest, vaccine rollout chief Lieutenant General John Frewen said: “There does appear to be some complacency coming in.”
“Omicron is a dangerous virus and I would urge everyone eligible to get your booster as soon as possible so you stay up to date and remain protected against COVID,” General Frewen said.
“Don’t risk getting COVID, and to anyone who’s had it and incorrectly thinks they can’t get COVID again, you still need to come forward and get a booster.”
Victorian Department of Health and Human Services reported XXX new COVID-19 cases in the Gannawarra local government area over the weekend, XXX on Saturday and XXX on Sunday, giving a total of XXX active cases.
The department reported XXX new Victorian cases of COVID-19 yesterday, along with nine deaths. There were XXX active cases in ICU, including XXX on ventilators.
The state had XXX active cases.
