Tara Murray
Getting vaccinated will be made easier for those who are struggling to get to a clinic or hub.
The state government announced a $21 million package on Tuesday, to help support Victorians who may face additional barriers to vaccination.
These include people living with disability, at risk youth, seniors, culturally diverse and multi-faith communities, social housing residents and victim survivors of family violence.
As part of the funding there is $13 million to support children, older people, carers, families and clients with complex needs.
Agencies will receive funding to help book appointments, promote existing transport options or arrange alternatives, or offer respite or occasional child care in suburbs with low vaccine uptake.
A further $1.2 million will deliver community-led and culturally specific vaccine support by culturally and linguistically diverse groups.
On top of that, $2.5 million will go towards trusted volunteer-based organisations such as neighbourhood houses, men’s sheds and multicultural community organisations, to encourage and support people to get vaccinated.
The package also includes funding to drive vaccinations through women’s health services, and work with young people from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds to support vaccine take up, and LGBTIQ+ communities.
Premier Daniel Andrews said they were making sure that nobody is left behind.
The announcement comes as the vaccination rate in Brimbank continues to increase.
As of Monday, 86.3 per cent of Brimbank residents 16 and over had received their first dose of the vaccine.
At the same time, 58.6 per cent had received both doses. This is one of the lowest rates in the state.
