South West Healthcare opened up new Pfizer slots on Wednesday morning for appointments starting Tuesday next week.

The 1000 bonus doses are a small part of the 40,000 additional vaccines being distributed across Victoria's state-run vaccination centres next week.

SWH CEO Craig Fraser said it was "fantastic" to receive so many extra doses.

He said the health service had also opened up new appointments for second Pfizer vaccinations between now and October 30, which is likely to please the many residents who have described difficulty booking a second jab. He encouraged people to "keep trying" to book in.

Mr Fraser said the next two weeks would see a continued focus on getting VCE students vaccinated "to assist in their journey towards the end of the year". He thanked parents, teachers and students for helping coordinate the huge task so quickly.

Despite the renewed stock of Pfizer, Mr Fraser also emphasised the availability and effectiveness of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

"Warrnambool and the south west of Victoria are leading the charge to be vaccinated in no small part due to the willingness of people to get AstraZeneca. Please consider this as an option if you are still awaiting a Pfizer appointment."

SWH confirmed a number of Melbourne residents had booked through the Victorian central booking system to have their vaccination in Warrnambool. Mr Fraser condemned the tactic.

"It is inappropriate that during a state-wide lockdown, with 5km limits in place, that people would seek to travel hundreds of kilometres from their home and risk spreading COVID-19 into a region that has not had any COVID-19 positive cases in many months," he said.

"We have made it clear on our website that people from Melbourne or other known exposure sites will not be permitted on site without prior approval. We want to deter travel across Victoria when closer options are available.

"We look forward to welcoming all visitors back into our region once restrictions ease, but in the meantime, we will continue to support our local community in achieving one of the highest vaccination rates in Australia."

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