Ararat Rural City residents continue to show an eagerness to get their COVID-19 vaccinations, with more people now eligible for the AstraZeneca vaccine.
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The East Grampians Health Service Community COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic has administered more than 3500 doses to the Ararat community.
Chief executive Andrew Freeman said he was pleased with this progress.
"The uptake of the vaccine has been fantastic from the community, who have been supportive of the vaccine rollout."
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Vaccination rates may accelerate following the decision at a national cabinet meeting on Tuesday, June 28, to expand eligibility for the AstraZeneca vaccine.
The meeting was prompted by the increase in COVID-19 cases across the country, with Sydney, Perth, and Darwin entering lockdown.
Following the meeting, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that the AstraZeneca vaccine would be available to all Australian adults.
"If they are willing to go and speak to their doctor and have access to the AstraZeneca vaccine, they can do so," Mr Morrison said.
"So the answer is yes, they can go and do that."
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On June 17, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation recommended Pfizer be the preferred vaccine for adults under 60; it recommended it be the preferred vaccine for people Under 50 in April.
Mr Freeman was confident with more Pfizer vaccines available to the community in the future, the uptake would again increase.
"We will then look forward to the further rollout of the vaccine program to other age groups."
At the cabinet meeting, it was also agreed to mandate vaccinations for aged care workers. A target of having all aged care workers receive at least their first dose of the vaccine by mid-September has been set.
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