Mobile flu and COVID shots
Chitty Chitty Jab Jab was in Drouin last week delivering free COVID-19 and influenza (flu) vaccinations.
Gippsland Region Public Health Unit's (GRPHU) vaccination bus spent the week travelling around Baw Baw Shire, with its final stop Main Street, Yarragon on Saturday.
Baw Baw Shire has reached 133,275 total vaccinations, and 61 per cent of those eligible have received their third dose. This leaves Baw Baw behind Bass Coast, at 71 per cent third dose, but far ahead of Latrobe and Wellington, now at 21 per cent and 20 per cent respectively.
GRPHU is reminding people to get vaccinated for both COVID-19 and the flu, with vaccination resulting in lower levels of community infection and protecting those most vulnerable, including children aged six months to under five years, pregnant women, people with medical complications, and those aged 65 or older.
The health unit has reported that during the pandemic certain factors may have reduced the circulation of the flu virus and the number of people getting vaccinated, resulting in low levels of community protection. People are advised to stay home if unwell, keep a distance from others and practice hand hygiene. GRPHU encourage those who are unwell to wear a facemask.
Free flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines are available from general practitioners and pharmacists.
GRPHU's COVID-19 vaccination hub at The Goods Shed has extended hours over the next two weeks. It will be open (9am to 4.30pm) from today to Thursday and Monday June 20 to Thursday June 23. Walk-ins are welcome.
COVID-19 testing sites in Baw Baw are: the Goods Shed (PCRs and RATs), Tuesday and Wednesday 8.30am to 4pm, Monday and Thursday 9am to 4.30pm.Warragul Respiratory Clinic: (PCRs only) by appointment. For bookings call: 5642 6666 or go online, bit.ly/3Fbd8eH