Boost your protection against COVID-19

With third dose vaccination rates lagging across the nation, Maryborough District Health Service is reminding residents they need a third dose to stay up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccinations.

“The health service is still seeing new cases of COVID-19 reported on a daily basis, and are continuing to provide care and support to community members through our home monitoring service,” said Mrs Heather Blazko, Operations Manager – Maryborough Campus.

“A third dose of the vaccine helps increase your protection against the COVID-19 virus, and unfortunately we’re just not seeing the same uptake as last year.

“Public health experts are encouraging anyone who hasn’t yet received their third dose to schedule it in to help keep yourself and loved ones protected,” she said.

The third dose is approved for everyone aged 16 years and older, and is recommended at an interval of three months after the second dose.

While the Community Vaccination Hub in Maryborough closed in mid-March, the vaccine is readily available from local GPs and pharmacies, as well as at larger state-run vaccination centres in Ballarat and Bendigo.

At the end of November last year, double dose COVID-19 vaccination rates in the region were at more than 95 per cent among the eligible population.

However, the latest data shows that just three in four people aged 16 years and over have received more than two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

At 28 March 2022, 76.1% of people aged 16 years and over in the Central Goldfields Shire had received more than two doses, compared to 74.4% in the Pyrenees Shire.

Victoria data shows third dose vaccination rates for residents are sitting at around 80-85% in towns like Avoca, at 70-80% in Maryborough and Carisbrook, followed by 65-70% in towns such as Dunolly and Talbot.

“It’s been just over a year since local COVID-19 vaccination program started and our community has been doing a wonderful job of supporting each other,” said Mrs Blazko.

“Let’s keep the vaccination effort going before the peak flu season hits, and keep an eye out for information on winter booster doses for vulnerable members of the population.”

“Thank you to everyone for rolling up your sleeves, and to our staff and partners who have contributed to the vaccination effort so far.”

The COVID-19 vaccine rollout started in Victoria in February last year. MDHS opened the Community Vaccination Hub in March 2021 to start the rollout of the local vaccination program in partnership with Central Goldfields Shire Council and local GPs.

To find a vaccination centre near you visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccination-centres.