Getting vaccinated is set to become even easier for residents in Melbourne’s inner west, with the launch of a new pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the Australian Islamic Centre in Newport.
Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne today visited the new open access clinic to mark its first day in operation.
As part of a community-led approach, the clinic has been established by the Muslim community of Melbourne in partnership with the Victorian Government.
It follows the success of other community-led pop-ups in recent weeks, which have been set up to support Melbourne’s Greek, Hindu and Samoan communities.
More community-led initiatives are planned and will be established in the months ahead as the supply of COVID-19 vaccine ramps up.
The tailored and culturally appropriate approach to vaccinations aims to reduce barriers by offering vaccinations in a familiar setting amongst trusted members of the community.
The Australian Islamic Centre site will be operated by Western Health and in partnership with community health, with translators and medical staff from the community available to provide support in Arabic.
The clinic will operate between 9am and 5pm for the next three weeks and is expected to initially administer up to 270 vaccinations per day. There has been significant community interest, with all initial appointments booked out within 48 hours of being available. Additional appointments been made available in response.
Bookings are required for vaccinations at the Newport clinic can be made via the community’s online booking system, which has been promoted through community networks.
The site is open to people aged 16 years and over and will offer both Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines, based on eligibility. The vaccination site will offer options for those of a range of faiths and those in the local community. Private spaces for individuals and families, and a mix of male and female immuniser staff, will also be available.
The Department has also been working with a range of culturally and linguistically diverse communities, including those from faith groups, to build trust and confidence on COVID-19 vaccines, including addressing vaccine hesitancy.
Visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccination-centres for more information on Victoria’s vaccination centres, including locations and opening hours.
Quotes attributable to Member for Williamstown Melissa Horne
“We’re proud to partner with the Muslim community of Melbourne to launch the Newport vaccination clinic.”
“The Australian Islamic Centre in Newport has seen extraordinary demand for bookings – it’s this community-led approach that’s vital to driving demand and overcoming any barriers that may exist.”
