Bendigo Health has vaccinated over 2000 Central Victorians this week as appointments for Pfizer become available

It comes as acting premier James Merlino announced on Thursday eligibility for the vaccine was being extended.

"We were looking at how we can expand the eligibility for vaccinations. And we've been doing that work and we've got advice from public health, and from the Department of Health," he said.

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"Vaccinations at state sites will be expanded to include those in the 40 to 49-year-old age group, for the Pfizer vaccine.

"In terms of GPs, that will be a decision of the Commonwealth, but in terms of the state sites that we run, we'll be expanding it to 40 to 49."

Health Minister Martin Foley elaborated on the extension of eligibility to get vaccinated.

"If you're under 50 you will be eligible for the Pfizer vaccine, from those state run centres, that have that capacity to deliver Pfizer," he said.

"My message to all Victorians is if you are eligible, if you're eligible to get vaccinated, make yourself a plan to do that today, and get it done.

"The vaccine is really our only ticket out of this."

More information on the restrictions can be found here.

A Bendigo Health spokesperson said they would be offering the Pfizer vaccine to the eligible age group from Friday.

However, appointments must be booked in advance.

"Bendigo Health will also continue to offer the vaccine to all eligible people, including AstraZeneca to those aged 50 and over," the spokesperson said.

On Thursday, Bendigo Health vaccinated 630 people, bringing the total number of vaccinations at the new Mollison Street clinic to more than 2000 since it opened on Monday.

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The Bendigo Health COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic is open seven days a week from 10am-5pm.

People can register their interest online and will be sent a link to book an appointment.

Bendigo Health said it was experiencing long queues for coronavirus vaccination and testing clinics. Where possible, people were asked to book appointments online.

Bendigo Health's coronavirus testing sites are also open seven days a week from 10am-5pm.

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