The Victorian Government is bringing vaccines to the areas that need them most, by launching a massive community pop-up vaccination program targeting 100 priority postcodes across the state.

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and CEO of Ballarat Health Services Dale Fraser today visited one of the state’s first pop-up clinics at Mt Rowan Secondary College, Wendouree.

Pop-up COVID vaccination clinics will be set up across the state to help increase Victoria’s vaccination rate, in particular, among school aged children. The clinic in Mt Rowan has been established to provide the local community, and in particular students and their families, direct access to COVID vaccines.

Students aged 12 years and over are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated as getting vaccinated will help schools return to face-to-face schooling, and with less disruption in the future.

Younger people are also at risk of getting COVID-19, and could infect people who are more vulnerable, such as parents or grandparents. Vaccination is important so that young people can protect themselves, their families, and their communities.

With new vaccination records being set every day Victorians are well and truly rising to the challenge of getting vaccinated and we want to keep this momentum going.

The number of school-based pop-ups will expand rapidly, with approximately 70 school sites eventually earmarked for all members of the community, and more pop-up COVID vaccination clinics will be scheduled for other schools in Ballarat in the coming weeks

The Government continues to make it easier for Victorians to get vaccinated as soon as possible, with 60 open access state-run centres currently operating across Victoria and additional sites opening every week.

Visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccination-centres for more information on Victoria’s vaccination centres, including locations and opening hours.

Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison  

“This pop-up clinic at Mt Rowan Secondary College has meant that more Wendouree families can access the coronavirus vaccine so they can protect themselves, their loved ones and the whole community.”

“Vaccinations keep families safe and together. This is a targeted and coordinated campaign to ensure we can get fair vaccination coverage in every community across the state.”

“We are tailoring our vaccination rollout to remove any barriers that might otherwise stop someone from getting vaccinated. There are a million reasons to get vaccinated and vaccination is our only way out of this pandemic.”

Quotes attributable to Ballarat Health Services CEO Dale Fraser

“Ballarat Health Services sincerely thanks the community for rolling up their sleeves today and getting vaccinated as vaccination is key to driving down COVID cases and returning to a COVID normal. 

“We’re pleased so many families are here today as it’s important for young people aged 12 and over to get vaccinated to protect themselves, their families and their communities. Vaccination will also help schools return to normal sooner with less disruptions.   

“We encourage those who haven’t made a booking yet to get vaccinated as soon as possible. We will be organising more pop-up COVID vaccination clinics at other local schools in the coming weeks we are committed to helping protect our community and ensuring all have access to a vaccine.” 

Quotes attributable to Mt Rowan Secondary College Principal Seona Murnane

“I am really pleased Mount Rowan Secondary College can host the pop-up clinic. This is advantageous for our students and their families, as coming here on a Sunday and walking in, is a great convenience for the Wendouree community.

Also, our students and families are familiar with our setting, so that adds ease to the potential anxiety of receiving a vaccination. All of our students are used to getting vaccinations on-site when they have their usual vaccinations in year 7 and 10, this is simply adding to the notion that school is a place where you can learn and engage, along with looking after one’s health by getting vaccinated.

I am glad that Mount Rowan could support our school community, the Yuille Park community, and our local community.

We are all in this together.”

Quote attributable to Yuille Park Community College Principal Brett Shillito

“Our community is banding together to support each other throughout this pandemic. This clinic is about access and convenience for families and it’s great to partner with Mt Rowan.”