Locals pop in to vax pop up

The EACH pop up vaccination site operated in Yarra Junction from Monday 13 September to Wednesday 15 September. Picture: Renee Wood

By Renee Wood

Yarra Ranges residents have taken the opportunity to get their Covid-19 vaccination at a pop up site in Yarra Junction.

EACH held the walk in site on Warburton Highway across the road from its testing clinic from Monday 13 September to Wednesday 15 September

Up to 200 doses were available each day with both Pfizer and AstraZeneca on offer.

Nursing staff said there was a rush and long lines on Monday, forcing some residents to return the next day.

“I think everyone was really eager to get in on the first day and our admin staff did a really good job at developing a system so that people over the last couple of days haven’t had to wait so long,” Registered Nurse Immuniser Molly Connelly said.

After the first day waiting times significantly dropped, and by the afternoon on the last day there was no line ups when Star Mail visited the site.

“A lot of the clients have been young adults, which has been really great seeing that uptake from the younger community as well.”

Those who received their first jab at the pop up will be able to get their second dose when EACH returns in six weeks.

“We don’t have any date yet but we do have all of the clients’ details, so they should be getting contacted via email, and that will guide them in booking their second dose.

“It will be appointment only for the second doses.”

The pop up was part of the State Government’s priority postcode vaccine blitz that was announced on Sunday 12 September.

Staff are yet to be advised where the next pop up will be scheduled in the Yarra Ranges.