As thousands of Victorian children gear up for their COVID-19 vaccinations starting today, the Victorian Government is doubling the number of state-run sites where five to 11-year-olds can get their first COVID-19 vaccine.
With an additional 18 state-run vaccination sites coming online for kids vaccinations, 36 family friendly state vaccination centres across Victoria will join GPs, pharmacists, and Aboriginal Controlled Community Health Organisations in a blitz to vaccinate five to 11-year-olds over January and February, an official press release said.
Most state-run centres will begin vaccinating kids this week, including more than 15 sites across metropolitan Melbourne and in Geelong, Shepparton, Traralgon, Ballarat, Ararat, Horsham, Bendigo, Kilmore, Warrnambool, Wodonga, Castlemaine, Colac, Echuca, Mansfield, Portland, Cobram, Swan Hill and Hamilton.
A family friendly forest theme with fun images of nature and animals will create a warm and welcoming environment for children receiving their vaccination.
Support is available for children with mild anxiety about vaccination, as well as children with developmental disabilities, autism and/or sensory needs. The Victorian Specialist Immunisation Service will be available for children who need specialist support.
There are 15 sites with enhanced disability access, including at Frankston, Heidelberg, West Melbourne, Caroline Springs, Clayton, and regional centres. The Campbellfield and Melton drive-through centres also have private appointments available via Disability Liaison Officers.
For children with autism who require a low sensory space, there are sites at the Austin Health, Campbellfield Ford Complex, Frankston Community Vaccination Hub, Wodonga Vaccination Hub, Belmont Civic Centre Disability Access Clinic, Monash Medical Centre, Bendigo Health and Traralgon Racecourse.
In the coming weeks, the vaccination blitz will receive another boost through a series of pop-ups sites – ensuring every Victorian child has access to vaccination.
The recommended vaccination schedule for most children in this age group is two doses of Pfizer vaccine eight weeks apart.
Parents and guardians can book their child’s vaccination through their local GP or pharmacy, or at a state-run centre through the coronavirus hotline or online at coronavirus.vic.gov.au/
Follow The Indian Sun on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
