GPs and health clinics across Gippsland will start administering the COVID-19 vaccine from Monday, 22 March 2021 as part of Phase 1B of the rollout.
The first week of the next phase will see locations in Churchill, Traralgon, Morwell, Sale, Paynesville and Lakes Entrance join more than 1,000 clinics across the country offering the vaccine to vulnerable groups.
Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the vaccine was free, safe and would be rolled out to as many communities across Gippsland as possible over the coming months.
“Gippslanders who meet the criteria are now able to book in for their vaccine at a clinic near them,” Mr Chester said.
“This includes elderly residents over 70, healthcare workers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over 55, young adults with medical conditions and critical and high-risk workers.
“People can check their eligibility online or over the phone via the Department of Health before making an appointment at a location that is most convenient to them.”
Week 1 of Phase 1B locations:
- Hazelwood Health Centre, Churchill
- Breed Street Clinic, Traralgon
- Hillcrest Family Medicine Traralgon 3844
- Mid Valley Family Medicine, Morwell
- Inglis Medical Centre, Sale
- Paynesville Medical Centre
- Advantage HealthPoint, Bairnsdale
- Gippsland Lakes Complete Health GP Practice, Lakes Entrance
- Cunninghame Arm Medical Centre, Lakes Entrance
Mr Chester said these locations were only the first to be announced and more would be added in the coming weeks and months as the Government worked with local GPs and health clinics.
“Our GPs do invaluable work in our communities and now they are playing a vital role in the vaccine rollout,” Mr Chester said.
“It is important that our most vulnerable are able to receive the vaccine from their own GP if they want to.
“The Government is committed to building a broad network across Australia so that everyone can access the vaccine close to home and will be working with eligible practices as quickly as possible to ensure access for priority groups.
“To check you eligibility and book an appointment, visit https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility or call the VOCID-19 vaccine helpline on 1800 020 080.”
FAQs
Where do I go and how do I book in?
Go to Department of Health website. Using the Eligibility Checker, you can find out which phase of the rollout you are in. If you are eligible, you will be able to view vaccination clinics and book an appointment online or via phone. If you are not yet eligible, you will be able to register your interest so that you can be notified when you are able to book.
If you prefer not to use the online option, you can call the National Coronavirus and COVID-19 Vaccination Helpline on 1800 020 080.
Will I be able to choose where I can book?
You will be able to view and select clinic locations based on the postcode you enter.
What happens if there are no clinics or appointments in my area?
A list of Commonwealth vaccination clinics, participating General Practices, and state and territory vaccination clinics will be made available as they come online.
Do I have to use the Eligibility Checker in order to book?
The checker is a helpful tool to help you find out if you are currently eligible to book.
The checker will guide you through to a simple way to find and book vaccine appointments, or help you register to be notified if you are part of a later phase. If you prefer to book appointments directly at a participating general practice or Commonwealth state vaccination clinic, you can contact them directly to do so.