By Danielle Kutchel
Young people have flocked to Cranbourne’s mass vaccination hub to be vaccinated against Covid-19.
Lengthy queues were seen at the vaccination hub at Cranbourne Turf Club following the State Government’s announcement that those aged between 18 and 39 were now eligible to receive their jab at Victoria’s state-run vaccination centres from this week.
Those within the age bracket were simply asked to give informed consent to the vaccine.
People choosing to provide informed consent are required to sign a document showing they are aware of the extremely rare but serious risks associated with the AstraZeneca vaccine, including the risk of thrombosis thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS).
The risk is around 1 in 25,000 after the first dose of AstraZeneca, and the risk of death from a vaccine-related clot is less than 1 in 500,000, according to infectious diseases and vaccine expert at the University of Sydney, Professor Robert Booy.
A Monash Health spokesperson said the change in criteria had boosted the number of people booking in to get their shot of antibodies.
“With the change to Covid-19 vaccination eligibility in Victoria, there are already over 2000 people aged 18 to 39 booked for AstraZeneca vaccinations this week across Monash Health’s vaccination centres, with bookings steadily increasing,” a spokesperson said.
The AstraZeneca vaccine will still be available to 18 to 39-year-olds at participating GPs, respiratory clinics and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations as well.
The AstraZeneca vaccine is safe and effective against Covid-19.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has advised two doses of Astra Zeneca reduces the risk of symptomatic infection by at least 67 per cent and the risk of hospitalisation by 92 per cent.
Nurses at the Cranbourne vaccination hub said they were pleased to see so many people coming in to get their vaccine after the change in eligibility.
They said vaccines are the way out of the pandemic and will allow us to avoid the horrifying prospect of an overrun healthcare system.
And those getting their vaccines agreed it was the right thing to do.
Jacinta, who works full time in retail, said her mind was made up when she saw how many shopping centres have become Covid hotspots.
“I wanted that extra safety, so I decided to come and get the vaccine sooner rather than later,” she said.
“It’s very low risk and the more people that get vaccinated, the quicker we can get out of this situation.”
Danielle said she had been telling everyone she knew to get vaccinated as soon as they could.
“We don’t want other variants, so we need this done faster.
“I think it’s very important to get vaccinated so we can create herd immunity and protect everyone,” she said.
Cory said getting vaccinated would allow everyone to return to doing the things they love, like travelling.
“For younger people – if you want to travel once borders open you’ll probably need it,” he said.
Originally from America, Cory said he had seen the Covid-induced carnage overseas and believed the vaccines would help “reduce the seriousness of Covid and hospitalisations”.
Mikayla got vaccinated to ensure their safety.
“I work a front of house job, serving food to customers sitting down without a mask on, so it makes me feel safer,” they said.
They also want to get back to university as soon as possible and hope the vaccine will lead to the resumption of face-to-face learning.
They said the vaccination process was easy, with nurses and staff asking for informed consent at every step of the way.
“Do some research on government health sites and make the best choice for you,” they said.
“From where I’m standing the only way out of the pandemic is to get vaccinated, so it’s the best option we’ve got.”
