THE schedule for the Gippsland Region Public Health Unit’s (GRPHU) mobile vaccination bus has been confirmed for August.
Active COVID positive cases in Gippsland remain relatively steady, according to the GRPHU, with just over 49 in hospital and 311 receiving care under the COVID Positive Pathways program but they are encouraging people to stay up-to-date with vaccination.
The free Chitty Chitty Jab Jab bus is set to visit the following locations locally:
Bass Coast:
- Friday, August 5 Wonthaggi Town Hall: 10am - 2pm
- Saturday, August 13 Marine Parade San Remo: 10am - 2pm
- Friday, August 19 Wonthaggi Town Hall: 10am - 2pm
- Thursday, August 25 Wonthaggi Town Hall: 10am - 2pm
- Tuesday, August 30 Wonthaggi Town Hall: 10am - 2pm
South Gippsland
- Tuesday, August 9 McIndoe Park Leongatha: 9.30am - 3pm
- Saturday, August 20 Baromi Park Mirboo North: 9.30am - 3pm.
- Wednesday, August 31 McIndoe Park Leongatha: 9.30am - 3pm.
According to GRPHU, the time to get vaccinated is now.
COVID-19 vaccinations can be accessed via a GP or Pharmacy by booking an appointment at https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/booking/
Chitty Chitty Jab Jab is one more way people can access their free vaccinations without an appointment.
Vaccination bus funding
Funding for the bus is provided by the Victorian Department of Health and GRPHU Operations Director, Annelies Titulaer, said the funding was due to be reviewed at the end of September 2022.
“Chitty Chitty Jab Jab was a unique initiative developed to complement other outreach services like the nine state-run vaccination hubs, providing access to vaccinations to as many communities in Gippsland as possible,” she explained.
“GRPHU worked closely with local health services across Gippsland to manage the state-run vaccination hubs and we appreciate everyone’s involvement to be very responsive to meet community and staff need.”
With the closure of the state-run hubs as the Department of Health moves into a new phase of COVID management support, the bus is visiting more towns than ever before to ensure it can capture those who haven’t yet had the opportunity to get up to date with their vaccinations.
“Gippsland covers an area of over 41,500 square kilometres. Our Chitty Chitty Jab Jab team is visiting 14 locations in August…some towns more than twice,” Ms Titulaer explained.
“It’s challenging but our team is committed to providing this service in the best way possible and we really appreciate the community’s patience, understanding and kindness at this time. Travelling on the roads can be problematic and the safety of our team is paramount.”
To be considered up to date with COVID-19 vaccination, you must have completed all the doses recommended for your age and health status.
“If you are in one of these priority groups, please identify yourself to your chosen vaccination provider so they can help you to get your vaccination as soon as possible:
- aged and disability care workers
- people with disability
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- women who are pregnant
- people with underlying medical conditions, including those immunocompromised.
If you are aged 5 years or older, you are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination:
- 5 – 11 years: Pfizer – first and second dose.
- 12 – 15 years: Pfizer or Moderna – first and second dose
- 16 – 17 years: Pfizer or Moderna – first and second dose – Pfizer booster three months after last dose.
- 18 – 29 years: Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax – first and second dose – Booster three months after last dose.
- 30 – 49 years: Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax – first and second dose – Booster three months after last dose – Fourth dose three months after booster.
- 50+ years: Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax – first and second dose – Booster three months after last dose – Fourth dose three months after booster.
Along with Chitty Chitty Jab Jab, you can also book your COVID vaccination at a GP clinic or participating pharmacy.
Go to the Department of Health website for more information at https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/get-vaccinated
