By Jessica Micallef
Kyneton Medical Centre is “making history” as it begins administering the COVID-19 vaccine this week.
The centre is one of the first 1000 GP clinics and Aboriginal health services to offer the jab as part of phase 1b of the federal government’s vaccination rollout.
Three other clinics across Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges have also started offering the vaccination.
Under phase 1b, vaccinations will be made available for people aged 70 and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders aged 55 and over, adults with chronic medical conditions, people with a disability who have an underlying medical condition, health care workers and high-risk workers including defence, police, fire, emergency services and meat processing plant employees.
Kyneton Medical Centre receptionist Ree Fisher said she expected the centre to receive 100 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine per week.
“Our first shipment is due early this week,” she said.
“It is a very exciting step and I am personally very excited about it. We are making history.
“We have all been highly trained and will have about five GPs administering the vaccine.
“We all really understand the process and the importance of the vaccine and rollout so when you have someone positively and confidently speaking about the vaccine, it really helps the patient.”
Ms Fisher said patients needed to provide proof of eligibility in order to receive a vaccination under phase 1b.
“Anyone under the age of 70 will need proof from their GP as to their health condition, healthcare workers need to have evidence form their employers and we are asking for a drivers licence for people over 70,” she said.
Details: kynetonmedical.com.au or call 5422 1397.
To find a clinic offering vaccinations as part of phase 1b, visit: bit.ly/2QdB5gh
