Warrnambool Vaccination Centre set to close over Christmas period

South West Healthcare (SWH) COVID co-ordinator Sue Anderton said the move was due to a lack of demand for vaccination services and it would also help with hospital staffing levels over the busy holiday period.

"The region is well above 95 per cent fully vaccinated and we have seen reducing numbers," Ms Anderton said. "It also provides a great opportunity for our staff to have a break and to also assist in the hospital during the busy Christmas-New Year period."

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The clinic will close on Friday, December 24 and re-open on Monday, January 17.

She said the closure wouldn't impact any residents, and pharmacies and GP clinics had the necessary supplies for residents needing a second dose or booster during the three-week period.

Ms Anderton encouraged anyone whose second dose would fall during the holiday period to contact their GP or pharmacy ahead of time to arrange it.

"(The) vast majority of local people are already fully vaccinated," she said. "Given boosters can now occur after five to six months, depending on eligibility, there is enough flexibility for people to access the clinic prior to and after Christmas."

It comes after the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) granted provisional approval on Sunday for children aged five to 11 to receive Pfizer. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisations (ATAGI) is expected to grant the final approval needed for them to be vaccinated in coming weeks.

"The SWH vaccination centre will re-open as normal on Monday, January 17 and will be able to vaccinate children (aged) 5 to 11 when approved by the TGA and ATAGI," she said.

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