COVID-19 vaccines have a lot of information and confusion around them, given the vaccines are now open to all but there are limitations on vaccines such as age restrictions for Aztra Zeneca and a lack of the Pfizer vaccine which is recommended for people under 60.
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AztraZeneca is available to anyone over the age of 18 but it must be administrated by a GP if you are between the age of 18-59.
East Grampians Health Service has both AstraZeneca and Pfizer that are available through the state run sub-hub vaccination clinic at EGHS.
"There is currently no wait list for Pfizer however people must meet current eligibility criteria. Priority groups and eligibility are determined by the Department of Health. We are expecting more Pfizer in the coming weeks," EGHS chief executive, Andrew Freeman said.
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People can phone the state wide booking system on 1800 675 398.
"The community response has been overwhelmingly positive. The Ararat and surrounding communities are grateful for access to vaccination in a well-run clinic at EGHS. The staff have done an outstanding job and we would like to thank the community for their ongoing support," Mr Freeman said
Ararat Medical Centre have AstraZeneca and Pfizer bookings available.
Practice manager, Gary Hurst said vaccinations have been picking up.
"It started slow but currently with lockdown, vaccines rates are picking up," he said.
The centre is working through second AstraZeneca doses and will finish those soon, opening up more bookings.
To book a vaccination date, contact the Ararat Medical Centre on 5352 2311 to book dates for the first and second vaccination doses.
Mr Hurst said they encourage people to visit the government website to check their eligibility.
At Tristar in Ararat, they have the AstraZeneca vaccination available.
Tristar Medical Group executive manager, Megan Preusker said even if you are not a regular patient with Tristar, they welcome vaccination bookings from anyone.
"Eligible people are able to make an appointment at the clinics even if they are not regular patients of the clinic," she said.
"If patients are not eligible but are considering AstraZeneca they are also welcome to make appointments to discuss considerations with a GP."
Ms Preusker said vaccination bookings have been good strong mid-March earlier this year.
"We have currently had a strong and continuous response for the AstraZeneca vaccine since we started vaccinating in mid March 2021," she said.
For the AstraZeneca vaccine it is recommended that you wait 8 -12 weeks between the first and second dose.
It is recommended that there is at least a two week period between the flu vaccination shot and the COVID-19 vaccination shot.
COVID-19 vaccinations are free and do not require a prescription.
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