By Oliver Lees
Health and community services across the Macedon Ranges have joined forces to encourage the community to get vaccinated against coronavirus.
Central Highland Rural Health, Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health, Macedon Ranges council and Hepburn council have designed the new campaign called ‘Get the Jab Done’.
As part of the campaign, the organisations will be funding campaign messaging at their facilities across the region.
Macedon Ranges council’s people, culture and performance acting executive manager, Nathan Upson, said it was important for the community to have consistent and trusted vaccination messaging.
“COVID-19 vaccines are free, safe and voluntary,” Mr Upson said.
“All vaccines carry a very minor risk of adverse reaction, however the risk from contracting or spreading COVID-19 is much greater.
“They have been approved by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration, meeting strict standards after being thoroughly tested for safety.
“The COVID-19 vaccine will protect you, your loved ones and your community, we encourage everyone across our region to roll up their sleeves and ‘Get the Jab Done.’”
As of August 4, 15 per cent of Australia’s total population had been vaccinated, according to the federal Department of Health.
In July, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that targeted lockdowns will end and international borders will reopen once 80 per cent of eligible Australian are fully vaccinated.
Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health chief executive Phillip Ripper said he hopes the campaign will help ease some of the community’s concerns around the jab.
“The government’s coronavirus website is a good source of quality vaccine information, however your GP is the best person to talk to if you have questions about the COVID-19
vaccine and existing health conditions,” Mr Ripper said.
COVID-19 vaccination bookings can be made at participating GP clinics.
Vaccinations are also available at vaccination centres, with the closest centre to the Macedon Ranges at Bendigo Health COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic and Kilmore District Health.
Central Highlands Rural Health is planning to run a COVID-19 vaccination clinic at Kyneton Health.
Details: Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398.
