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State-run vaccine hubs closed but testing available

THERE has been a number of changes to testing clinics and vaccination centres locally since the peak of COVID-19 in Victoria.

by Michael Giles

Published May 18, 2022

State-run vaccine hubs closed but testing available

THERE has been a number of changes to testing clinics and vaccination centres locally since the peak of COVID-19 in Victoria.

There is testing available locally but only at certain times.

The state-run vaccination hubs in Leongatha and Wonthaggi have closed. If you’re eligible for a fourth dose, you will need to book an appointment with your GP or pharmacist.

“For those who are not at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19, a two-dose primary course and a booster dose provides very good and lasting protection against COVID-19. Protection against severe disease is high and looks to wane slowly over time,” the federal Department of Health says on its website.

“For now, the larger part of the Australian population are not recommended to receive any further doses of COVID-19 vaccine. Our experts continue to review new information on COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines and will make new recommendations if necessary.”

Testing – Leongatha

Gippsland Southern Health Service moved from a PCR testing clinic to a Rapid Antigen Test drive-through only, according to its website.

Members of the public can drive through to collect their free Rapid Antigen Kit. However, to get free RATs, you must hold one of these cards:

Commonwealth Seniors Health Card.
Health Care Card.
Low Income Health Care Card.
Pensioner Concession Card.
Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold, White or Orange card.

The drive-through service operates on Fridays only, from 9am to 3pm.

Drive through to the Primary Health Entry at the front of the Leongatha Hospital.

Please bring your eligible card and Medicare card.

Testing – Wonthaggi

Monash Health Pathology is delivering COVID testing at Wonthaggi and Cowes.

Patients seeking PCR and RATs will be able to access the Wonthaggi Hospital via the main entrance and Armitage link walkway (park at Kirrak House). Bass Coast Health staff will check in patients, ensuring they are wearing an N95 mask.

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 9am-1pm. Please pre-register for PCR testing and RAT distribution online here: testtracker.covid19.dhhs.vic.gov.au/citizen-prefill.

If you need a COVID test, you can also go to Wonthaggi Medical Group. They provide symptomatic testing and treatment by appointment. For more information, call 5672 1333.

Testing – Phillip Island

PCR testing is available at the Phillip Island Health Hub, alongside the distribution of RATs.

Patients will be required to wear an N95 mask.

Opening hours: 8am-4pm Monday to Friday, and 8am-11.30am Saturday.

For PCR tests and RATs, you must bring photo ID and/or a Medicare card.

Please pre-register for PCR testing and RAT distribution online here: testtracker.covid19.dhhs.vic.gov.au/citizen-prefill.

Vaccination

The state-run Leongatha Community Clinic and Wonthaggi vaccination hubs have closed.

Members of the community are still able to receive their boosters and winter doses of COVID-19 vaccine from local doctors’ clinics and pharmacists.

COVID-19 vaccines can also be booked online at portal.cvms.vic.gov.au.

Winter dose

The cold weather can make it easier for viruses to infect our bodies.

As Australia moves into winter, an additional booster dose, or ‘winter dose’, is recommended for people at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 who have already had their first booster dose.

If it has been at least four months since your first booster dose and you fit into one of the below categories, you should book an appointment to have another booster dose as soon as possible before or during winter: