Echuca postcode leads the way in Campaspe for COVID-19 vaccinations

Echuca and Rochester have passed the 80 per cent mark in regards to recipients of a first dose.

They are also in excess of 50 per cent double vaccinated, for the eligible 12 years and over age group.

The figures take into account first and second dose percentages of every Victorian postcode.

Kyabram and Tongala vaccination levels are not among the lowest vaccinated postcodes in Victoria, but in many cases their figures (which were recorded to Wednesday, September 29) are 10 per cent below neighbouring towns.

Kyabram’s 3620 postcode, which includes Wyuna, Wyuna East, Lancaster and St Germains, has not yet reached the 70 per cent single-vaccination level and is between 35 and 40 per cent in its second-dose statistics.

There are 7264 residents eligible for vaccination in Kyabram, while Tongala has 2035.

The Tongala figures mirror those in Kyabram, having not reached the 70 per cent single-dose level and at 35 to 40 per cent double vaccination.

Shepparton, which has been the subject of two lockdowns in the past month, has a 35 to 40 per cent double-vaccination rate, having hit the 70 per cent first-dose level on September 17.

Echuca Regional Health’s vaccination clinic has administered more than 15,000 doses of the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines, and its staff vaccination rate is sitting at 96.5 per cent with at least one dose.

“We would like to congratulate our regional community for the wonderful uptake of the COVID-19 vaccination program since it commenced at Echuca Regional Health for staff at the end of March, and the broader community in May,” director of community services Cynthia Opie said.

“Whilst these numbers and our community percentages are commendable, there are still bookings and supply available for those who may have been holding off for the rush to slow.

“We have ample second-dose bookings available for Pfizer until the end of October, and AstraZeneca is still available for walk-ins from 11am on clinic days; Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.”

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Double-vaccinated Kyabram ward councillor Daniel Mackrell said vaccination rates were on the rise everywhere, so he hoped to see that happen in Kyabram.

“I’m now fully vaccinated,” Cr Mackrell said.

“It is quick and easy and I am looking forward to seeing all those people that can have it done, get it done.”

Cr Mackrell said if people were hesitant they should consult their family GP and get more of an understanding about what was right for them.

Pharmacist Peter Pantazopoulos, from Ian Collie Pharmacy in Kyabram, said he had seen a slower-than-expected uptake in the town.

“We aim to conduct clinics in Kyabram, because the vaccines come as a 10-dose pack,” Mr Pantazopoulos said.

“We just haven’t had the numbers to do that in Kyabram.”

Mr Pantazopoulos, who also operates a Tatura pharmacy, said there was a stark contrast between what he was seeing in Tatura and vaccination numbers in Kyabram.

“I haven’t done a clinic in Kyabram for a week. We have been seeing that over the last few weeks,” he said.

Moderna and AstraZeneca are available from the Kyabram pharmacy, but the Moderna vaccine only has a month-long shelf life.

“Fortunately we have not had to waste any vials,” he said.

“Where possible I have used them at Tatura, but we also have the ability to give them to other areas.

“The government is very tight on wastage.”

Mr Pantazopoulos said he had been adding some of the Kyabram pharmacy’s allocation to the Tatura roster.

“We have calculated for the two pharmacies,” he said.

“As a last resort we would offer vaccines to an out-of-town pharmacy.

“I am not sure if people are getting the right information.

“I would ask them to speak to their doctor or pharmacist.

“There just hasn’t been much uptake in Kyabram.”

Mr Pantazopoulos said he was doing vaccinations every day, and on weekends, at his Tatura clinic.

“Initially we were only doing AstraZeneca, now everyone is opting for Moderna,” he said.

“There is a six-week wait between doses with Astra and three weeks with Moderna.”

The Pfizer vaccine is not available at pharmacies, it is only available at GPs.

Mr Pantazopoulos said the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines were similar.

“There really isn’t much of a difference between the two, only that the Moderna is available at your local pharmacy and we have appointments available,” he said.

Echuca’s statistics are reflective of the strong push for an extension to cross-border travel for regional and metropolitan Victorians.

The border town hit the 80 per cent single-vaccination level on September 13 and has a 50 to 55 per cent double-vaccination tally for its 14,060 eligible residents.

Rochester’s double-jab figures are the same, having reached the 80 per cent single-dose milestone on September 14.

Tatura has 40 to 45 per cent of its eligible population fully vaccinated, having hit the 80 per cent first-dose mark on September 20 for its 4671 residents aged 12 years and over.

Rushworth, which has 1564 eligible residents, is at 45 to 50 per cent double vaccination, but has not yet hit the 80 per cent single-vaccination level.

At Nathalia 45 to 50 per cent of people have received their second dose, with 80 per cent of its eligible population having had one dose.