Bass Coast leads Gippsland in vaccination race

News

Bass Coast Shire has the highest COVID-19 vaccination rate in Gippsland and the fifth highest in Victoria, based on first dose alone – and Bass Coast Health (BCH) is proud to be part of that achievement.

In Bass Coast, 79.9% of the population aged 15 and over have had their first dose of a vaccine and 52.3% are fully vaccinated with two doses. In South Gippsland Shire, 74.4% of the population aged 15 and over have had their first dose of a vaccine and 46% are fully vaccinated with two doses, according to the Australian Government’s Local Government Area (LGA) Geographic Vaccine Rates, dated 13 September.

The impressive figures come as BCH delivered its 20,000th vaccine on Friday, 17 September, with Lila Switzer, 13, being the 20,000th person to be vaccinated for COVID at Wonthaggi Town Hall.

BCH has been committed to ensuring as many people in our community have been vaccinated against COVID-19 as possible, with staff administering vaccinations at the Community Vaccination Clinic at Wonthaggi Town Hall.

“We are overwhelmed with pride at having such a high vaccination rate in our community and wish to thank people for being vaccinated to improve their own safety and also the safety of the community as we continue to endure the pandemic,” BCH CEO Jan Child said.

“To give 20,000 doses of the COVID vaccine to our community is a remarkable feat and I wish to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our Community Vaccination Clinic staff who have given significant time and effort in establishing the clinic, navigating new eligibility and ensuring our most vulnerable have been prioritised.

“Our Premier has described our months ahead as the Pandemic of the Unvaccinated. We are urging everyone to be vaccinated to keep our local community safe.

“We also remind everyone to practise COVIDSafe measures by wearing face masks that cover their nose and mouth, practise physical distancing, sanitise their hands regularly, clean surfaces with the appropriate disinfectant and avoid crowds. If we all follow the rules, we will get through this much quicker and will be able to enjoy our small freedoms.”

BCH administered 1972 COVID vaccinations for the period 13-18 September, and as of 18 September, had administered 20,327 vaccines.

For more information about reducing your risk of contracting COVID and the symptoms of the virus, go to: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au

To book a COVID vaccination, call the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398 or online at

portal.cvms.vic.gov.au, or pop into the Town Hall for your Astra jab.