Eighteen people in Melton have died from COVID-19 in the past three months, according to new data from the Department of Health, which reveals the majority of deceased cases occurring in instances where individuals are unvaccinated or only partly vaccinated.
The data, which was recorded between December 8 2021 and February 21 2022, revealed 943 total deaths from the virus across Victoria.
Of those deaths, 33 per cent were unvaccinated and 37 per cent had received only one dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine.
Approximately eight per cent of Victorians who died had received a third dose.
According to federal government data from February 28, 53 per cent of Melton eligible Melton residents had received a booster dose.
A Department of Health spokesperson implored the community to continue to come forward to get vaccinated.
“The data is clear that getting your third dose will significantly reduce your chances of going to hospital, going to ICU or dying from COVID-19,” the spokesperson said.
“If you’re yet to get your third dose, it’s easier than ever – just walk in or book at a state-run centre, head to a participating GP or pharmacy, or drop by a pop-up vaccination clinic in your local area.”
Oliver Lees
