Stawell Regional Health continues to roll out COVID-19 vaccinations in Stawell with their Wednesday sessions giving people access to the vaccine as part of the national rollout.
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A Stawell Regional Health spokesperson said they want to help the community accept and understand the vaccine process.
"The overarching message is the fact that the more people are vaccinated, the more protected our community will be," they said.
"The Stawell Regional Health vaccination team is working hard to ensure the opportunity is here, locally, for our community to receive their vaccines without the need to travel outside of the region.
"We are all in it together, and need to be, to keep our community safe."
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The vaccine program is overseen by the Stawell Medical Centre GPs, who works with a team of Stawell Regional Health specially trained immunisation nurses.
Stawell Regional Health said they are only administering the AstraZeneca vaccine at this stage, which does not contain any live SARS-CoV-2 virus, meaning it cannot give you COVID-19.
Their clinic runs every week on a Wednesday, with hundreds of community members and staff starting the vaccination process in the five-week time period it has been running.
In addition to people over 70 years of age, all people 50 years and older can book to receive a vaccine from Wednesday, May 17, with the vaccines provided free of charge.
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Stawell Regional Health also said considerations should be made for flu vaccinations.
"You have to allow two weeks apart for the COVID-19 vaccine and this year's flu shot," they said.
"You still need to get your flu vaccine every year as the COVID-19 vaccine will not protect you from seasonal flu.
"Your appointments will not take much time - about 5 minutes with the GP or Vaccine Nurse followed by 15-30 minutes in the observation area where you will be monitored for any immediate reactions before you can leave.
"If you need to get in touch with the Vaccination Clinic regarding your appointment, please call 5358 6550, Monday 8.30pm - 5pm. You may be required to leave a message to receive a return message."
So where do you start if you are ready to receive a COVID vaccine?
- Consider your individual health issues and discuss any questions you may have with your GP
- Get, complete and drop-off a copy of the Consent Form - either online ( https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-vaccination-consent-form-for-covid-19-vaccination ) or from the pick-up / drop-off points as mentioned above
- After review of your consent form the SRH vaccine coordinator will call you to arrange an appointment time with you
- On you arrival at Building B at the time of your appointment you will be asked screening questions about your current health
- For the AstraZeneca vaccine it is recommended that you wait 12 weeks between the first and second dose
- An appointment for the second dose will be confirmed with you at this time
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