This weekend, 2-3 October, a pop-up vaccination clinic will be available at VU Whitten Oval. In a move to provide increased access and to boost vaccination rates in the west of Melbourne, Victoria University has joined forces with the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, Western Health, the Victorian Department of Health and Dr Mukesh Haikerwal to deliver the community pop-up vaccination hub. This is a unique partnership between a state vaccine clinic and a GP-led clinic.
The pop-up clinic was announced by the Minister for Health, the Hon. Martin Foley, with support from Western Bulldogs AFLW star, Isabel Huntington, on Saturday. Isabel is an ambassador with the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation and has witnessed first-hand the impact that the pandemic has had on the community.
The west of Melbourne has been the hardest hit by COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic. In 2020, Western Health cared for 46 per cent of all COVID-19 cases in Australia. In response to this, the first vaccine hub in Melbourne was set up at Sunshine Hospital and the first drive-through vaccine centre was established in Melton.
Victoria University Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker said that the pop-up vaccination clinic is an important opportunity for organisations in the west, the Western Bulldogs, Western Health and VU to come together with the support of Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay City Councils, and help to protect the community in the best way possible.
"Being vaccinated against COVID-19 is the most effective way that we can keep ourselves and those around us healthy and safe in relation to the virus. Achieving the 80 per cent double dose vaccination rate is how we help to stop lockdowns and re-open sooner, which is what we all want," said Professor Shoemaker.
If you haven't already been fully vaccinated, I encourage you to make a booking for this weekend at the spiritual home of the Western Bulldogs - VU Whitten Oval.
Book a vaccination at the pop-up clinic
When: Saturday 2 October and Sunday 3 October from 8am to 8pm
Where: VU Whitten Oval, 417 Barkly Street Footscray
There will be 2000 bookings for the Pfizer vaccination available for those aged between 12-59.
Bookings are essential, with no walk-ins available.
Or call the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398 (press 0 for in interpreter).
