The Andrews Labor Government is working with the Commonwealth to ramp up its coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination program across regional Victoria with the launch of hospital vaccination hubs in Bendigo and Ballarat.

Minister for Health Martin Foley today visited Bendigo Health to thank local frontline health workers who are continuing to keep our state safe and congratulate the first among them to be vaccinated.

There are now six hospital vaccination hubs operating across Melbourne and regional Victoria, providing the vaccine to those most likely to be exposed to COVID-19, with the remaining hubs to come online shortly.

The first to be vaccinated include Hotel Quarantine and Health Hotel workers, airport and port workers, and frontline health staff in COVID-19 screening clinics, specialist COVID-19 wards, Intensive Care Units and Emergency Departments.

Hubs also deliver the vaccine to public sector residential aged care residents and workers, with the Commonwealth responsible for providing the vaccine to private residential aged care and disability care facilities.

Bendigo Health and Ballarat Health Services will focus on public sector residential aged care residents throughout this week.

COVID-19 screening clinic nurse Nicole Harper will be the first Bendigo Health staff member vaccinated. She has done incredible work and swabbed more than 4000 people since starting in the role 12 months ago.

Hospital vaccination hubs managed by Albury Wodonga Health, Goulburn Valley Health and Latrobe Regional Hospital will begin delivering the vaccine from the week of March 8.

As at 28 February, nearly 4000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine have been delivered at Victoria’s hospital vaccination hubs. It’s anticipated that over 40,000 doses will be delivered over the first four weeks of the program in Victoria.

The Labor Government is working closely with the Commonwealth on the rollout of its vaccination program. For more information about the COVID-19 Vaccination Program, visit health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines or coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccine.

Quote attributable to Minister for Health Martin Foley

“The vaccine is safe, effective and free, and it’s fantastic to see thousands of Victorians have already been vaccinated as part of the slow and steady rollout.”

Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo Jacinta Allan

“Nicole Harper has swabbed more than 4000 people in the Bendigo Health screening clinic – it’s an incredible contribution and we thank her and her colleagues for everything they have done to protect their community.”

Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards 

“Priority frontline workers like Nicole have worked so hard to keep our state safe, and the first phase of this vaccine rollout is all about keeping them safe.”