National cabinet will on Friday discuss the youth vaccination plan, after receiving advice about opening Pfizer vaccines to all 12-15 year olds from the expert immunisation panel. Covid Response deputy secretary Naomi Bromley said a group booking function for state vaccination centres already existed but was not yet available to families.“We do hope to make it available more broadly to the public,” Ms Bromley said.Family appointments at GP clinics and state vaccination centres are being discussed by the Victorian and federal governments, and are understood to be part of the youth-based vaccination plan covering 12-18 year olds. States are, however, likely to adapt the plan to their own needs.Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Victorian chair, Dr Anita Munoz, said family appointments were a great idea.“Doing these kind of things as families can help encourage some family members to go along if they are a bit hesitant, or if they are a bit needle-phobic,” Dr Munoz said. “Adolescents often feel it is helpful to go along with a parent to get a vaccine.”She said it was important to make access to Covid-19 vaccines easy as younger age groups before eligible for the jabs. Education Minister James Merlino on Wednesday said he wanted year 12 students vaccinated before exams began on October 4.People aged 16-18 are currently eligible to get Pfizer vaccines. Ms Bromley said families could book into the drive-through because staff could vaccinate as many people as car windows. “That is one option that‘s available,” she said.National – 2021 – Covid Vaccination Stats
Powered by WPeMatico
