Victorians aged 18 and over will be able to access the COVID-19 vaccine Novavax through selected state-run centres as well as GPs and pharmacies from Monday – providing another option for the small number of Victorians still waiting for their first or second dose.
The vaccine will be available through more than 400 general practices and community pharmacies across the state, as well as the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton, Sandown Racecourse in Springvale, Sunshine Hospital in St Albans, the former Ford factory in Geelong and the McIntosh Centre in Shepparton.
Pop-up vaccination clinics will offer the vaccine over coming weeks in parts of Melbourne where there has been strong interest in Novavax.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation recommends the Novavax vaccine be given in two doses at least three weeks apart.
Novavax is not currently approved for use as a third dose or for children. It can be used with another approved COVID-19 vaccine as either a first or second dose.
It is one of four vaccines approved for use in Australia, along with AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Moderna. Vaccination against COVID-19 is still recommended for those who have recently recovered from the illness, because any natural immunity gained from infection is short term.
Bookings for Novavax are now open. Victorians can call the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398 or book online via portal.cvms.vic.gov.au. Appointments at GPs and pharmacies can be made at .
As stated by Minister for Health Martin Foley
“For a small number of people, this will be the extra push they need to get vaccinated. With bookings now open, now is the time to go and get a jab.”
“Getting a COVID-19 vaccine will help protect you and your family from getting seriously ill. If you’ve been sitting on the fence, please get vaccinated – it’s important for all of us.”
