Vax centres scale down

Victoria's COVID-19 vaccination centres are beginning to scale down.

By the end of May, Victoria will have about 30 vaccination centres operating. This comes after the Commonwealth's decision to cut funding for the COVID-19 response beyond September.

The move will allow health professionals to move back into the ordinary healthcare system and deliver services across the state.

Services in Local Government Areas and vulnerable communities will be a focus of the remaining vaccination centre locations.

The Commonwealth's vaccination program will also continue through general practitioner clinics and pharmacies, which are now responsible for delivering 75 per cent of doses in the program.

Gippsland Region Public Health Unit (GRPHU), Operations Director Annelies Titulaer said the organisation is adjusting the delivery model to continually improve access to vaccinations across Gippsland to further strengthen coverage.

"GRPHU would like to acknowledge the wonderful efforts of the local community in participating in the COVID-19 vaccination program," she said.

"This high level of vaccination has contributed to reduced demand across all of the GRPHU's community vaccination sites, but the GRPHU said it's important now, more than ever, to get your COVID vaccine as we head into flu season."

Ms Titulaer encouraged locals to continue to come forward and get their third dose booster when they are eligible, and the fourth dose when eligible.

Although operating hours at some community vaccination sites have been reduced, the GRPHU is adjusting the delivery model to continually improve access opportunities across the region to further strengthen vaccination coverage," she said.

"More GPs are now available to administer COVID vaccine than before and vaccinations are also still available at participating pharmacies."

Ms Titulaer said the GRPHU has been working with staff at community vaccination centres on providing pop-up clinics and bus clinics in an attempt to reach those who may not generally access a fixed site clinic.

West Gippsland Healthcare Group CEO Dan Weeks said exact details about how and when local centres will scale down have not yet been confirmed.

"Baw Baw vaccination rates are high. Our booster rates are on par or exceeding other areas. While the state-wide move to scale down centres may make it less convenient to access vaccinations or boosters in the future, it's unlikely to compromise our community's safety," he said.

Mr Weeks said the West Gippsland Healthcare Group will continue to be vigilant to keep the community safe.