Tara Murray
Sunshine Hospital’s high-volume COVID-19 vaccination centre started vaccinating members of the public on Friday.
The hospital was one of three mass vaccination hubs announced by the state government on Thursday.
The centre will be based in the bottom level of the multi-level carpark at the hospital.
For nearly two months, Western Health has been using that hub to vaccine people who fell into category 1a, which included quarantine workers, border, frontline health care and aged care workers.
There are now six high-volume centres in Victoria, with more to be announced in the coming weeks.
Victorians eligible under the Commonwealth-led rollout will be able to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine at high-volume vaccination centres.
People who can currently get vaccinated include those aged 70 and over, adults with an underlying medical condition or significant disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 55 years and over, healthcare workers currently, household contacts of quarantine and border workers, critical and high-risk workers who are currently employed in defence, police, fire, emergency services and meat processing.
From May 3, Victorians aged 50 and over will be able to receive vaccines at the high-volume centres. GPs will start rolling out the vaccine to over 50s from May 17.
There is also a community vaccination centre in Deer Park which is focusing on people living in public housing and those included in phases 1a and 1b of the roll-out.
Health Minister Martin Foley said the mass vaccination hubs would make it easier for Victorians to get vaccinated.
“We look forward to seeing a steady build-up of appointments over the coming days and weeks for those Victorians who are eligible, including those aged over 50 in the coming weeks,” Mr Foley said.
“While there are more options for the public to get vaccinated, we still encourage Victorians to get vaccinated locally at their GP if that is where they feel most comfortable.”
Western Health said walk-in patients were welcome, but bookings are encouraged.
The Sunshine hub is open 8.15am to 4.15pm, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, and until 7.15 pm on Thursday and Fridy.
Bookings: 1800 675 398.
