Coronavirus in Ballarat: Health chiefs praise Ballarat residents for COVID vaccinations, testing

At the Ballarat Health Services Community Vaccination Clinic at the Mercure, more than 700 people received COVID vaccinations throughout the day on Friday.

Walk-ins faced waits of more than two hours throughout most of the day, with the wait dropping to an hour late in the afternoon according to the state government's vaccination centre page.

And 170 people had the jab at the UFS Vaccination Clinic long with countless others at GP surgeries across the city.

COVID testing also continued to be in high demand as the state reported a further four confirmed locally acquired cases and two in hotel quarantine.

"We were excited earlier this week when we hit 20,000 vaccinations across the region, and the surge we are seeing now is equally exciting. Walk-ins are having quite a long wait, but the majority of people are being polite and patient, so thank you," said BHS executive director primary and community care Craig Wilding.

Mr Wilding asked those attending the clinic to wear their masks correctly at all times, socially distance from one another, and practice hand hygiene.

"Our frontline staff are in contact with hundreds of people each day during the vaccination process. Please help keep everyone safe by doing the right thing."

From Friday, people aged 40 to 49 became eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine but only with a booked appointment. Bookings can be made at the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398. Walk-ins cannot receive the Pfizer vaccine.

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Mr Wilding urged people frustrated at trying to make a booking to persist.

"BHS understands the state-wide hotline has been experiencing high call volumes, and there are delays in getting through to make a booking. We ask the community to please be patient.

"We understand people are anxious, and rightly so. Nobody wants to contract coronavirus and getting vaccinated is critical to protecting everyone. If you can't get through on the hotline, please consider waiting at home where you are safe. The booking system will become less congested in coming days, and we will still have available vaccine for you."

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