Warrnambool and south-west surges past 80 per cent first vaccine doses

The region reached 83.2 per cent first dose coverage among people aged 16 and over, surging past the 80 per cent threshold, a jump of 5.6 percentage points from last week.

With Victorian premier Daniel Andrews saying almost every person who gets their first dose also gets a second, the milestone suggests the south-west is on track to getting 80 per cent of its population fully vaccinated.

Analysis by The Standard shows the key 80 per cent double dose mark is likely to be reached around November 1.

While first doses in the south-west have spiked in the past month, second doses have tailed off slightly, but should rise again through October as those who received their first dose in September return to get their second jab.

Digging down by local government area, the data shows Southern Grampians leading the way regionally with 86.4 per cent coverage for first doses and 56.5 per cent second doses. Warrnambool is close behind on 85.9 per cent and 56 per cent respectively, followed by Moyne (84 and 53.4), Corangamite (83.3 and 52.8) and Glenelg (81.5 and 50.7).

There have now been 85,672 first doses administered across the south-west, along with 55,115 second doses.

The strong regional figures have been driven by steady vaccine supply, although on Sunday Mr Andrews flagged possible issues with Pfizer doses in October.

"I don't know how much Pfizer is available next month, but we have more than enough AstraZeneca, people just need to make an appointment," he said.

A third vaccine option has also become available for those yet to get their first dose, with the Moderna mRNA vaccine arriving in Victoria this week. It will be rolled out through local pharmacies.

There will be over 300,000 Moderna doses available across the state this month and that number will increase in October and November.

The Moderna vaccine is similar to the Pfizer jab and eligibility will be the same, with people aged 12 to 59 allowed access.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: