Michaela Meade
Melton suburbs Plumpton, Deanside, Fraser Rise, and Truganina are continuing to lag behind Victoria’s COVID-19 vaccination targets, according to recent health department data.
A newly launched interactive map on the health department’s COVID-19 website allows users to view the COVID-19 vaccination rate for both first and second dose within their postcode.
The 3335 postcode – which includes Plumpton, Deanside, Fraser Rise, and some of Truganina – stands out from its surrounding postcodes. The data revealed the vaccination rate of the eligible population as between 30 and 35 per cent for first dose, and between 15 and 20 per cent for second dose.
As of Friday, October 15, there were 110 active COVID-19 cases within the 3335 postcode.
Nearby postcodes were revealed to have much higher vaccination rates in both first and second doses.
Postcode 3023 – including Ravenhall and Caroline Springs – was revealed to have a vaccination rate between 75 and 80 per cent for first dose, and between 45 and 50 per cent for second dose.
3037 – including Hillside – had between 75 and 80 per cent first dose, and between 40 and 45 per cent second.
3338 – including Eynesbury, Cobblebank, and Brookfield – had between 85 and 90 per cent first dose, and between 50 and 55 per cent second dose.
3427 – including Diggers Rest – had between 90 and 95 per cent first dose, and between 55 and 60 per cent second dose.
It comes as health authorities continued their push for Victorians to get vaccinated against the virus, as two Melton residents, one in his 70s and one in his 60s, died with the virus last week.
COVID-19 response commander Jeroen Weimar said “vaccination is our way out” of the pandemic.
“It’s so critically important that we all protect ourselves, [and] get vaccinated, get fully vaccinated as swiftly and as safely as possible,” he said.
“Our Victorian data… shows that unvaccinated people here… are 10 times more likely to catch COVID than somebody who is fully vaccinated.”
Book your vaccination: www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/book-your-vaccine-appointment
