1000th COVID-19 vaccination milestone

East Grampians Health Service in late May celebrated the 1000^th vaccination carried out at the EGHS COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic.

The honour went to Jim Stringer, who along with wife Carmel, lined up for their vaccination.

EGHS chief executive Andrew Freeman encouraged eligible members of the community to come forward and get vaccinated, a position supported by Ararat Medical Centre partner Dr Michael Connellan.

Dr Connellan said the importance of the COVID-19 vaccination cannot be underestimated, and encouraged all people in the Ararat region to get the vaccine, when eligible, to protect themselves, their families and their community.

“While we understand a degree of vaccine hesitancy after media reports of blood clots associated with AstraZeneca vaccine, the risk of harm from the vaccine is extremely low, and both AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines are very safe,” he said.

“The sooner we get everyone in our community vaccinated the quicker life can return close to normal.

“If you have questions about the COVID vaccines, please speak with your GP as soon as possible to have your concerns addressed.”

Vaccinations are available at the EGHS Vaccination Clinic, situated in Pyrenees House, Girdlestone Street Ararat. For an appointment, please call 5352 9363 between 9am and 4pm Monday to Friday.

Vaccinations are also available at the Ararat Medical Centre, phone 5352 2311 for an appointment.

The vaccination is currently available for people in Phase 1b and 2a. To check your eligibility, please go to: https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility

Pictured is EGHS chief executive Andrew Freeman (left) congratulating the 1000th recipient of the COVID-19 vaccination at the EGHS Vaccination Clinic, Jim Stringer.