Since Wednesday, August 26, every Victorian aged 16 years and over can access a COVID-19 vaccine at a state-run vaccination centre, under an expansion of the state vaccine program that will further help Victoria reach its goal of one million doses over five weeks.
Euroa student Harrison Douglas, 16, is among the young people in Strathbogie Shire now accessing the Pfizer vaccine.
"My sister, who is 20, made our bookings as soon as it was announced last week that younger people were eligible," Harrison said.
"As a family we had talked about the benefits of being vaccinated as soon as the government approved it.
"Our bookings were made on the online booking system, and some of my mates are already booked in too or are planning on doing so soon."
With some negative misinformation circulating on social media, Harrison said he was initially apprehensive about booking but "felt it was important to keep myself and my family, particularly my elderly grandparents, and my mates and the community safe".
"It would be great to have less lockdowns, and for life to get back to some kind of normal again," he said.
The Victorian Department of Health said people concerned or confused about vaccine information, should talk to a doctor or pharmacist.
Strathbogie Shire's vaccination rates
New data from the Australian Department of Health shows 64.6 per cent of Strathbogie Shire's 9,174 residents aged 15 and over have had their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, while 40.1 per cent are fully vaccinated. The data released yesterday was valid on August 27.
One million reasons to get vaccinated
Vaccinated adults in Strathbogie Shire have shared some of the million things that people miss about life before the pandemic - and why each of those is a reason to get vaccinated.
In July and August, a group of Strathbogie Shire adults participated in "Why did you get vaccinated" posts on Strathbogie Shire Council's Facebook page (summarised below).
Violet Town Café owner Gary Abley:
"The latest lockdown has really hurt small business and we just feel there will be less chance of future lockdowns when more people are fully vaccinated."
Nagambie Mechanics Institute Op-Shop coordinator June Debono:
"It is in everyone's best interest to have the COVID vaccination, otherwise we may not be able to visit loved ones in hospital or nursing homes; or attend weddings or other special events.
"My husband and I think we owe it to our family, friends and neighbours to be vaccinated as not to put their lives at risk."
