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VACCINATION rates in Indigo Shire have reached greater than 95 per cent for both first and second doses making it one of the highest vaccination rates in Victoria.
Australian Government Heath published updated data on Monday this week for listed local government areas (LGAs).
The shire is among nine of the highest vaccinated LGA's for people aged 15 years old and over from a total of 79 LGA's listed across state.
The high vaccination rate comes at a time when Albury Wodonga Health confirmed on Tuesday that the health service is managing 15 active cases in Indigo Shire.
Beechworth Health Service clinical director Lisa Allen said since the COVID 19 vaccination hub – which runs under Albury Wodonga Health – opened in July this year, 2389 vaccinations have been given.
Open on Thursdays and Fridays each week by appointment, Ms Allen said the hub accepted walk–ins with Astra Zeneca, Pfizer and Moderna vaccinations offered.
"Everyone aged 12 years and over is eligible for a free COVID–19 vaccination at the clinic," she said.
"COVID –19 vaccination booster doses are now available for all eligible people aged 18 and over who have had their second dose."
Ms Allen said boosters are advisable as they help prevent waning immunity and increase protection against infection from the COVID–19 virus.
"The third vaccine dose is recommended six months after the second dose," she said.
Eligible people will receive the Pfizer vaccine as their booster, which has been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration and recommended by ATAGI for a COVID–19 booster dose, regardless of which COVID–19 vaccine individuals received for their initial two doses.
Ms Allen said individuals who may have had an adverse reaction to Pfizer are advised to discuss their booster vaccination options with their General Practitioner prior to having the booster.
The Australian Government has recommended that immunocompromised individuals receive the COVID–19 vaccination.
Some severely immunocompromised people may receive three doses as part of their primary course but it is advisable for individuals who are immunocompromised to discuss their options with their GP or specialist.
Pfizer booster vaccines will also be available from Beechworth and Yackandandah pharmacies for eligible community members from around mid–November by appointment.
Beechworth pharmacist Kay Walker said on Tuesday 393 Moderna and 735 AstraZeneca vaccines had been given so far while Yackandandah pharmacist Ros McIntyre said 950 of both vaccines had been given.
"Things settled down for a while but it's going to get busy again with the Pfizer booster," Ms McIntyre said.
For appointments, Beechworth Pharmacy can be contacted on 57 281 094 and Yackandandah Pharmacy on (02) 6027 1211.
For BHS bookings at 58 Sydney Road clinic which cannot take direct calls, please ring 1800 675 398 or use the online booking portal https://portal.cvms.vic.gov.au/
For information on vaccine eligibility, visit www.healthdirect.gov.au/covid–19–vaccination.





