UFS will move its COVID-19 testing and vaccination clinics into one central location from Monday.
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Each clinic will operate separately with its own clearly signed entrance to ensure testing and vaccine candidates do not mix.
UFS primary care operations manager Danielle Trezise said the move became necessary when the Errard Street building housing the COVID-19 tests was sold.
Ms Trezise said both clinics had to be in close proximity, largely due to staffing for one doctor to oversee both clinics, and both clinics had to be central. The vaccine clinic had been based in Drummond Street.
Both clinics will continue to operate by bookings only from 9am to 5.30pm on weekdays, 9am to 4pm on weekends.
Clinics will continue to operate as normal in their existing locations until Sunday afternoon.
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The UFS vaccine clinic is completely separate to the Ballarat Health Services-run state mass vaccination hub based at the Mercure.
This comes after a week with a surge in testing numbers, largely from Ballarat residents returning from travel in interstate hot spots.
UFS' testing clinic has been operating at capacity, about 180 tests per day. Capacity will not be impacted in the clinic shift but Ms Trezise said there was more room to step up testing in peak times.
Ms Trezise said this flexibility could be particularly handy in facing uncertainty from return traveller numbers and border restrictions in the final week of school holidays.
Anyone with signs of respiratory illness is urged to get a COVID-19 test.
UFS chief Lynne McLennan also urged anyone eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine to get a jab.
The UFS vaccine clinic and medical practices have experienced a rise in interest from people aged under-40 seeking the AstraZeneca vaccine after Prime Minister Scott Morrison gave approval to any willing and informed adults.
UFS confirmed Pfizer was still regarded by immunisation governing bodies as the preferred vaccines for under-40s, but eligible adults were able to receive AstraZeneca via their clinics with informed consent. This would include a consultation process.
Ms McLennan said the UFS vaccination clinic was only able to offer the AstraZeneca have but she was hopeful to announce stock of the Pfizer vaccine soon.
Anyone arriving for a COVID test must enter the clinic via Doveton Street.
All vaccine candidates must enter from Dana Street.
Phone numbers for both clinics remain the same: 4311 1571 for a COVID-19 test and 4320 0891 for a COVID-19 vaccine. Book online via ufs.com.au.
