The Victorian Government believes hundreds of thousands of Victorians under 50 should soon have access to the vaccine after it received a delivery of Pfizer vaccine from the Federal Government.
From Monday, those under 50 can receive the vaccine if they are in a priority group, such as: critical and high-risk workers such as emergency services workers, Australian Defence Force personnel and licensed meat and seafood processing workers; adults with specified underlying health conditions, or severe mental health conditions; disability services workers and carers of people with a disability, both paid and unpaid; and paid and unpaid carers of people who are over 70, or who have specified underlying medical conditions.
Public-facing transport workers, including public transport, taxi and rideshare drivers, will have access from May 24.
Previously, people under 50 such as healthcare and aged care workers, and hotel quarantine and border workers were eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine.
General practices will also start administering the AstraZeneca vaccine to all people aged 50 and over from Monday.
Health Minister Martin Foley encouraged people to book in to receive a vaccine.
“We've made it as simple as possible to access the Commonwealth's vaccination program in Victoria,” he said.
“Hundreds of thousands of critical workers, transport workers and others now have a clear pathway to access the vaccine recommended for their age — protecting them, their family, and the people they work with.”
People who are eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine must book by calling 1800 675 398.
Open-access vaccination centres continue to offer AstraZeneca to all Victorians aged over 50, including through walk-in appointments where available.
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