By Cam Lucadou-Wells
In the City of Casey, 40 per cent of adults have had booster shots.
Doveton and Hallam (both less than 30 per cent), and Endeavour Hills (less than 35 per cent) are among the lowest take-ups while the highest metro booster rates are in Bayside (58.8 per cent), Banyule (55) and Boorondara (55.2) council areas
A Monash Health spokesperson said a third dose is strongly recommended as it helps prevent waning immunity (loss of protection) against Covid-19.
“The booster shot also increases protection against severe disease and dying from Covid-19,” he said.
“If you had Covid-19, you are still strongly encouraged to have your third dose as soon as you recover and are eligible.
“With many more people now eligible to receive their third dose and children aged five to 11 now eligible, we look forward to welcoming thousands of more walk-ins over the coming weeks.”
A Department of Health spokesperson said calls and texts were being made to remind “thousands of eligible Victorians every week” that their third dose was due.
This included “geo-targeted SMS for parts of the state where we know third dose coverage is lower”.
The SMS advises them of the nearest vaccination centre accepting walk-in appointments over the weekend.
“We’re also working closely with trusted community leaders and local health services to ensure everyone eligible for a third dose knows where and how to get one,” they said.
People are eligible for a third dose if they are 16 or older and have had their second dose at least three months ago.
Walk in vaccinations are available for people five years and over at Monash Health clinics including Alkira Secondary College.
Vaccine appointments are also available at GPs, pharmacies and state and Commonwealth vaccination centres.
