Demand for COVID vaccination appointments in 12 to 15 year olds has exceeded expectations in Bendigo since the federal government announced the age group was eligible for the Pfizer vaccine on Monday.
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A Bendigo Health spokesperson said demand for vaccination appointments for 12 to 15 year olds had been high and urged families to be patient.
The Mollison Street vaccination clinic has less than 700 first dose Pfizer appointments available for eligible adults until Sunday.
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"Bendigo Health began vaccinating 12 to 15 year olds this week," the spokesperson said ."Less vaccination appointments are available for this group due to the longer consent process and the increased number of support people required. Demand for the vaccine from this group is also currently exceeding supply."
The spokesperson said 2000 new appointments for 12 to 15 year olds will be made available from September 20 to October 10.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said bookings for 12 to 15 year olds will be available through GPs, Commonwealth Vaccination Clinics and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations.
"Importantly, this decision provides the opportunity for families to come together to visit their GP and get vaccinated," he said.
A list of GPs taking part in COVID vaccination is on the Murray PHN website.
Federal member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters said the high demand for 12 to 15 year old vaccination appointments was frustrating for families.
"Their frustration is that when parents could go online and book for kids, the appointments that they had available were picked up quickly," she said. "Most are receiving an auto-response saying the demand is exceeding supply.
"Families were very excited when the federal government announced 12 to 15 year olds could get access to a vaccine. The kids themselves also want to be vaccinated. They want their lives to get back to normal."
Ms Chesters said more supplies of the Pfizer vaccine must be made available by the federal government.
"Get the jabs to our region so we can get everyone who wants to get vaccinated, who is over age of 12, to get vaccinated," she said. "It is the quickest way out of lockdowns, the quickest way out of restrictions and also the best defense we have against this virus."
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