Benjamin Millar
Personal messages and anecdotes from local identities and business owners spelling out the importance of vaccination are rolling out across Maribyrnong.
Maribyrnong council is continuing its campaign to drive up vaccination rates by drawing upon familiar faces discussing the role of COVID-19 vaccination in protecting the wider community and enjoying greater freedoms.
According to the Australian Department of Health’s data, almost 83 per cent of the eligible population in Maribyrnong had received a first dose and just over 70 per cent per cent a second dose by October 24.
Mayor Michael Clarke said he is in no doubt the strength and connection of the Maribyrnong community is behind the sharp increase in vaccination rates within the city.
“From 50.8 per cent first dose and 31.2 per cent fully vaccinated on August 28 to 82.8 per cent first dose and 70.5 per cent fully vaccinated on October 24, in a matter of months, is a significant achievement,” Cr Clarke said.
“Our whole community is playing its part with this whopping 30 per cent jump in first and second dose rates.
“I am beyond proud, however we are not safe until we are all safe and there is still work to be done to reach all corners of our community.”
The council has supported recent pop-up vaccination clinics at places of worship and Whitten Oval, as well as helping provide information to help boost vaccination figures among multicultural communities.
In coming weeks it is partnering with the Victorian Department of Health, Cohealth and Western Health to host additional neighbourhood pop-up clinics, with a continued focus on reaching Maribyrnong’s English as second language residents.
Cr Clarke said these pop-ups will include bilingual workers and interpreters to answer any questions or concerns any residents may have.
“No one will get left behind,” he said.
Pop-up clinics were held over the weekend at Quang Minh Buddhist Temple and will be held at Australia Light Foundation Mosque and Community Centre in Tottenham from 10am to 4pm Tuesday and Wednesday, November 9-10.
To view the campaign video and for more information on getting vaccinated locally visit www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/choosevax
