Sarah Oliver
Melton Primary School will be one of 30 pop-up vaccination sites encouraging kids to get vaccinated against COVID.
The pop-ups will be open to all children aged five to 11, not just those attending the school hosting the clinic.
The pop-up sites will be rolled out over the coming weeks, with bookings available soon.
Families are being encouraged to make a booking now at one of the many state-run sites currently open for five to 11 doses, or at a GP or pharmacy delivering kids vaccines.
Additionally, through a new $4 million grants program, the state government is encouraging GPs and community pharmacists to establish additional mini-vaccination clinics at schools in areas that need more uptake.
As part of the new Primary Care Vaccinations in Schools program, grants will help local health professionals deliver vaccinations to students in the familiarity and comfort of their own school environment, outside of school hours.
Applicants will nominate the local government areas and number of schools and students they can help vaccinate – then successful applicants will be matched with schools in priority areas.
Successful applicants can receive up to $6500 to cover costs including staffing, travel and equipment.
An additional $5000 clinic establishment fee per school is also available, plus additional loadings for specialist schools or small, rural or regional schools.
Premier Daniel Andrews said: “With 30 vaccination centres at schools, more than 35 vaccination centres in the community, plus grants for GPs and pharmacies to deliver more vaccines – we are doing all we can to get jabs into arms young and old.”
“Vaccination is the best thing you do to keep your children and family safe – get the kids vaccinated and your third dose at the same time.”
Details: coronavirus.vic.gov.au/grants-primary-care-vaccinations
