Kid’s vaccination begins today

January 10, 2022

From today, our vaccination centre at Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre (PRACC) at 25-35 Ferres Blvd, South Morang is open for children’s vaccinations for children from 5 to 11 years old.

The children’s vaccination clinic at PRACC is a dedicated child-friendly space located at the rear of the Council building, with entertainment and activities to make the process less stressful for children.

Lucy is 9 years old, and was one of the first to queue up this morning for her vaccine.  She is looking forward to starting Year 4 at school with her classmates. She understands that there might be delays, but after two big years she is keen to join her friends at school. She knows that getting the vaccine will help bring back, ‘some kind of normality,’ as her mum says.

However, Lucy has another reason for getting vaccinated. In 2020 her grandmother got COVID -19 and spent five weeks in hospital.

As Lucy says, “I got my vaccination to protect my grandma.”

Hayley Grey, Nurse Unit Manager in charge of PRACC, informs us vaccination for children at the Civic Centre at PRACC is strictly bookings only.

She says, “Adult vaccinations, from 12 years upwards, is open for both bookings and walk-ins, however bookings are recommended.”

“Please bring your Medicare card (if you have one) to your appointment,” she adds.

Craig Lloyd. CEO City of Whittlesea, says, “Getting children vaccinated before they return to school is an important part of protecting our whole community, along with other measures like masks, distancing and good ventilation.”

“We are pleased to be partnering again with the City of Whittlesea in this program to keep both adults and kids safe in the community,” says Debra Bourne, Acting Chief Operating Officer, Northern Health.

Featured image shows Lucy showing the way.