State government mass vaccination hubs will expand eligibility to 18 to 39-year-olds to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine, but it's unsure whether Ballarat's centre at the Mercure is included.
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The state government announced the change on Sunday, with nine mass vaccination centres across Melbourne and Geelong to begin vaccinating younger people.
The younger people would need to book ahead and sign an informed consent form after a discussion with a doctor.
A drive-through vaccination clinic will also open at a former Bunnings in Melton, at first offering Pfizer for people who book ahead.
The Courier has sent questions to the Department of Health regarding whether younger people will be able to access the mass vaccination hubs.
General practitioners can already offer AstraZeneca to younger people.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, chief health officer Professor Brett Sutton said if he were 25, "and AstraZeneca was the only vaccine available to me today, I would get it".
"It means signing a document showing you're aware of those extremely rare risks with TTS or that clotting syndrome. But I'd say to any person between 18 and 39 considering getting vaccinated with AstraZeneca, speak to your GP, understand those really, really remote risks and make that informed decision," he said,
"Of course, it's your individual choice but I have said all the way through the best vaccine to get is the one that's available to you today. You will get protection from that first vaccine."
An appointment can then be made for the second jab, after 12 weeks.
Premier Daniel Andrews said there will be 200,000 vaccines available at first.
"I would fully anticipate that those nine sites would be very busy, as all of our state sites have been right throughout this vaccine program," he said.
"There is a lot written and a lot said about people being hesitant to get the jab. That's not the experience that I'm seeing, it is not what I'm picking up on. There are many millions of Victoria beyond whose want to get vaccinated and vaccinate quickly because they know it's good for them, their family and for every family, and it is critical to us being open and staying open."
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