Vaccination bus to be reviewed

Community members are being encouraged to take advantage of the Gippsland Region Public Health Unit’s (GRPHU) mobile vaccination bus before the service is reviewed at the end of next month.

The GRPHU is encouraging residents to keep up to date with their COVID vaccinations as the state’s Health Department predicts a peak in cases this month.

GRPHU operations director Annelies Titulaer said active COVID positive cases in Gippsland remained relatively steady, with just over 49 in hospital and 311 receiving care under the COVID Positive Pathways program.

Ms Titulaer said funding for the bus was provided by the Health Department and would be reviewed at the end of September.

“Chitty Chitty Jab Jab was a unique initiative developed to complement other outreach services like the nine state-run vaccination hubs, providing access to vaccinations to as many communities in Gippsland as possible. “GRPHU worked closely with local health services across Gippsland to manage the state-run vaccination hubs and we appreciate everyone’s involvement to be very responsive to meet community and staff need.

“With the closure of the state-run hubs as the Department of Health moves into a new phase of COVID management support, the bus is visiting more towns than ever before to ensure it

can capture those who haven’t yet had the opportunity to get up to date with their vaccinations,” she said.

Ms Tutulaer said the team was committed to providing the service in the best way possible and appreciated the community’s patience, understanding and kindness.

“Travelling on the roads can be problematic and the safety of our team is paramount,” she said.

COVID-19 vaccinations can be accessed via a GP or Pharmacy by booking an appointment at

https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/ booking/.

Chitty Chitty Jab Jab will be in Main St, Yarragon today from 10am to 3pm and the Goods Shed, Warragul carpark on August 17 from 10am to 3pm.