Ky’s double-vaccinated numbers increasing

Kyabram is on track to reach its 70 per cent double vaccination milestone in the next week if an upward trend in the uptake of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines continues.

Last week the state government, which provides vaccine statistics by postcode, reported Kyabram was more than 60 per cent fully vaccinated.

Despite being slow out of the blocks there has been a strong response to the expanded availability of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, with all Kyabram clinics and its two pharmacies reporting at the very least a consistency to the amount of appointments being made.

Erica Maddison, pharmacist at Amcal in Allan St, said the next two Fridays had strong bookings; in fact, 58 booked in for their second vaccination dose in a fortnight.

“Next week we also have a lot of people due for their second Astrazeneca dose, so I am predicting the double vaccination figure will rise as a result,” she said.

Ms Maddison said there had been an increased amount of inquiries from unvaccinated people at her pharmacy, in particular from the 30 to 40-year-old age group.

Kyabram District Health Service has had such a strong response to its pop-up clinic at Stanhope that it will be returning to provide a second dose for people on November 13.

The KDHS clinic now has Pfizer appointments available four days a week, Monday to Thursday, and is also accepting walk-ins for the Astrazeneca and Moderna vaccines.

“We still have appointments available, but people can also come in and talk to us about any concerns they have,” COVID Response Co-ordinator Angela Windridge said.

Ms Windridge said she was “really pleased” with the numbers coming forward for vaccination and with the state on the doorstep of reopening it was more important than ever.

“The figures have remained consistent. We still have appointments available to people, so I encourage them to drop in or call us,” she said.

The increase in vaccination levels has resulted in less attention on positive COVID-19 cases, with one KDHS staff member testing positive last week.

Acting KDHS chief executive Wendy Ross said no other staff members and no other hospital services had been affected by the positive case

There are also seven community cases in Kyabram.

Ms Ross said the staff member was made aware she had been a close contact of a positive case in a social setting and had not returned to the hospital since.

“She immediately isolated,” Ms Ross said.

“Everyone has to be vigilant, complete hand hygiene and practice social distancing

“This staff member has done the right thing. They were negative when they did their last shift,” Ms Ross said.