Vaccinations
COVID-19 vaccinations at Castlemaine Health
Castlemaine Health is currently vaccinating staff and residents in the 1A Priority Group. This includes:
- aged care and disability staff
- front-line health care workers
- aged care and disability residents.
Priority groups are identified by considering current public health, medical and epidemiological evidence on who would be most affected if they contracted COVID-19.
For example, health and aged care workers are a priority group because they are at high risk of contracting COVID-19 due to their frequent contact with people. They are also more likely to transmit the virus to vulnerable people through their work in hospitals and aged care facilities. It is for everyone’s benefit that this group is prioritised for vaccination so they can continue providing essential care.
COVID-19 vaccinations in the community
In the community, vaccination eligibility has now opened for those in the 1B priority group. This includes:
- elderly adults aged 80 years and over
- elderly adults aged 70-79 years
- other health care workers
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults 55 and over
- adults with a specified medical condition
- adults with a disability who have a specified underlying medical condition
- critical and high risk workers including defence, police, fire, emergency services and meat processing.
When will I be vaccinated?
To find out when you will become eligible, use the Vaccine Eligibility Checker.
Who will give the vaccinations?
Local GP clinics and community pharmacies will take part in the COVID-19 vaccination program. Visit the Department of Health website to find out where COVID-19 vaccinations will be available from in your local area.
How will I know when it’s my turn?
Local practices will manage vaccination roll-out for their own patients. They’ll be vaccinating their most vulnerable patients first. Your GP clinic is reviewing yours and all other patient information to assess vulnerability factors. They’ll contact you to arrange an appointment as soon as you’re eligible and vaccine is available.
How long will it take before I get the call?
COVID-19 vaccine is being rolled out in phases which have been determined by the Australian Government.
In the Loddon Mallee region where we’re located, Bendigo Health is the coordinating hub managing distribution. Allocation of the vaccine for the Mount Alexander Shire will depend on supply, with rollout to increase as more vaccine becomes available.
Our local GP clinics are either yet to receive any COVID-19 vaccine or have received a very limited amount of vaccine. While distribution may seem slow it will be equitable and carefully managed to ensure that no-one misses out.
More information
Visit www.health.gov.au to find out more about COVID-19 vaccinations in Australia.
You can also call the Victorian Government COVID-19 vaccine hotline. It has been established through the dedicated coronavirus hotline. Phone 1800 675 398 (option 3).