Give yourself a pat on the back!
It’s been a wild ride, but Victoria has pulled through. Today, the state crossed the 70 per cent double dose vaccination target — the percentage required for restrictions to ease. Victoria was originally estimated to reach this date on October 26, but thanks to massive turnout from the community, the state crossed the target five days earlier that anticipated. It’s for this reason that restrictions are lifting at 11:59pm tonight.
We've officially hit 70% fully vaccinated.
Because of everything Victorians have done, tomorrow we can start getting back to the things we love.
Thank you Victoria – I'm so proud. pic.twitter.com/ku3q5KJGWz
— Dan Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) October 20, 2021
As if that wasn’t enough, today was the day that Victoria hit the target of 90 per cent of first dose vaccinations for those over the age of 16.
Yesterday, Australia also hit a 70 per cent double vaccination target. Basically, we’re kicking goals all around.
From 11:59pm tonight, we’ll be able to travel across the city, dine out, have home visitors and enjoy outdoor cinemas.
Further vaccination targets
According to Victoria’s roadmap, the next target we have to hit is 80 per cent. When we hit this goal, more things will open up, such as retail.
As part of a push for further vaccination, pop-up clinics will appear in certain local government areas. While vaccination rates in Melbourne’s west and north-west have improved, the government is now targeting the northern suburbs. Ten thousand doses are needed to bring the local first dose rate to 85 per cent.
Another two thousand first doses in Frankston and Dandenong will also bring these postcodes over the 85 per cent line. Victoria’s biggest pop-up site at Dandenong’s Palm Plaza is currently delivering up to 500 vaccinations a day.
Headspace will also hold pop-up clinics in Collingwood and Frankston this week. Then, they will move on to Greensborough, Glenroy and Sunshine next week.
30 vaccination centres across Victoria will also be open to walk-in Pfizer appointments. No bookings will be required at those centres.
“If you’ve been putting it off, now’s the time to join the millions of Victorians fighting to get things back to normal,” said Minister for Mental Health James Merlino. “The vaccine is safe, effective and free – and it’s your ticket to everything you love and miss.”
To read the Premier’s statement, click here.
Book a vaccine appointment here.
Learn how to get your proof of vaccination certificate here.
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