WALK-IN booster jabs are on hold at the city's major jab hub this week as Ballarat Health Services steps up its next COVID-19 vaccine phase.
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Children aged five to 11 will be able to access a modified Pfizer dose from the state-run centre, based at The Mercure, from Monday. This will be by booking only, not walk-ups yet as first flagged.
Walk-up boosters were in high demand at the Ballarat centre last week, with supplies limited late in the week, amid a rush to increase vaccination protection before the return to work press.
Eligible parents accompanying child to get a vaccination will be offered a booster on demand.
There were about 46,700 junior jab appointments available in state-run hubs as of Sunday morning, on top of appointments via Commonwealth-funded primary care providers such as pharmacies and general practices.
State-rune centres, including Ballarat, will have a family-friendly forest themed area to help ease children in a more playful environment.
On-site support will be available for children with mild anxieties about vaccinations and children with developmental needs.
Melton's drive-through vaccination centre also has private appointments with disability liaison officers. While Ballarat is not marked for a low-sensory space for child vaccinations, the nearest dedicated spaces are in Geelong (South Barwon Civic Centre in Belmont) and via Bendigo Health.
COVID-19 vaccinations for children aged five to 11 will be available through participating general practices and pharmacies from Monday but note that some are not part of this first wave.
UFS' Commonwealth-funded COVID-19 clinic is offering junior jabs but has made clear appointments must be made via phone only, 4320 0891.
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The state has also mooted a series of pop-up vaccination sites at schools for children aged five to 11.
Grampians Public Health Unit operations director Robyn Wilson has previously told The Courier her team had been working with schools across the region since before Christmas.
A Victorian health department spokesperson confirmed on Sunday locations for pop-up sites during the school term were still to be determined and that parents were encouraged to bring children forward for vaccinations before term one starts.
Children are only eligible for the Pfizer vaccine and will receive one-third of the adult dose. This age cohort isrecommended to receive two doses at eight weeks apart.
Victoria's COVID-19 commander Jeroen Weimar reiterated on Sunday the more people there were vaccinated the better placed the state would be to "ride out" coming weeks ahead.
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