Three months wait for third dose

The wait for a Covid-19 booster shot has been reduced to three months.

Victorians above the age of 18 are now be eligible to get their vital third dose of the Covid-19 vaccine after just three months, in time for a walk-up vaccination blitz starting this Friday 21 January.

The reduced time frame of three months, recommended by Victoria’s public health team, means 1.2 million more Victorians can now increase their immunity before school and work returns in full.

To support an anticipated increase in demand this weekend, more workers, more cubicles, more walk-up capacity and 60,000 more appointments will be available at key vaccination centres.

Hours at major hubs including Sandown, Bendigo and La Trobe University have all been extended specifically for the blitz, which will run from this Friday to next Monday, with key clinics also offering free ice creams in collaboration with Unilever.

Walk-up vaccinations will be available and are encouraged at a number of state-run centres including Sandown Racecourse (walk-up 9am to 6.30pm Saturday and Sunday), Dandenong Plaza (walk-up 9am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday) and Frankston’s Bayside Centre (walk-up 9.30am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday).

The rest of Victoria’s large state-run network will also be operating, with thousands of appointments available.

All sites except Dandenong Plaza and Ballarat Mercure will also offer both Pfizer and Moderna doses.

Visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccination-centres for locations, hours and access information before walking up.

Bookings can also be made online at portal.cvms.vic.gov.au or by calling 1800 675 398.

Those who want to get their third dose at a local GPs or pharmacy can also book through the online clinic finder at covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/booking/

For information about coronavirus visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au or call 1800 675 398.