Great Ocean Road Health are working closely with the Department of Health/Primary Health Networks and Barwon South West Public Health Unit to plan and implement a safe and effective vaccination program for our catchment area.

With the COVID-19 vaccination set to arrive in Australia in the coming months, the initial supply will be limited and only available to the most vulnerable. The question remains, how will this affect me, when will I be notified about my eligibility and which of the proposed ‘five phase -groups’ do I fit into?

• Great Ocean Road Health will be implementing an ongoing marketing campaign to keep our catchment area well informed and up to date with the latest vaccination advice and the roll-out schedule.
• Both Lorne and Apollo Bay Medial Centres are planning to provide vaccination clinics (targeted at the specific ‘phase’ groups) throughout the year. The Medical Centre staff are highly experienced in administering vaccinations, such as the influenza vaccine and have the extra benefit of being located within the Hospital, if the unlikely event of further medical assistance is required.
• GORH staff are working closely with other stakeholders, including the local pharmacies and Shires to identify other potential mass immunisation sites within Lorne and Apollo Bay.

With the COVID-19 vaccination roll-out likely to be an ongoing process throughout 2021 and beyond, the staff at GORH will be working hard to ensure the community has as much access as required to receiving the immunisation.

GORH Sandy Chamberlin said, “Our goal is keep our community safe. To achieve this, we need to encourage as many people as possible to take part in the immunisation process, so we can go about our everyday lives and minimise the risk to the vulnerable.”