GREATER Bendigo has reached 95 per cent double-dose vaccination coverage for people 15 and over.
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The milestone was officially recognised in federal government data released this afternoon.
Bendigo Health chairman Bob Cameron said the region had reached the milestone ahead of schedule, and thanked central Victorians for their willingness to roll up their sleeves and get the jab.
"Central Victorians are sensible people and they've just gotten on with it."
Mr Cameron thanked vaccination centre staff who have administered approximately 200,000 of the almost 300,000 doses of vaccine administered since May.
"Staff at the vaccination centre, at GP clinics and pharmacies have all been completely focused on getting the job done.
"We know that despite a slow commencement to the rollout and the various lockdowns that we have all endured, getting vaccinated is our way out."
Mr Cameron said more than 98 per cent of eligible people in the Bendigo region had received at least one dose of vaccine, and central Victoria was closing in on the 99 per cent threshold.
Premier Daniel Andrews said people in Bendigo had achieved something really special.
"You should be so proud. Thank you to every single person who came forward to get vaccinated," he said.
"It's just one more demonstration of the things that makes Bendigo so exceptional - coming together as a community to protect each other.
"If you've been putting it off, now's the time to join the millions of Victorians already vaccinated. The vaccine is safe, effective and free - and it's our ticket to getting back to the things we love."
Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan thanked the for its effort on reaching the milestone.
"And not just those who rolled up their sleeves, but our local medical and support staff whose extraordinary and outstanding work made this moment possible."
Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards said that throughout our COVID-19 vaccination program, Bendigo and central Victoria have led the way to ensure as many of the community were vaccinated as soon as they could.
"It's just what I expected from this great community."
The government has announced $2.5 million aimed at removing barriers for at-risk people to get vaccinated as Victoria moves past 90 per cent double-dose rates.
It is part of a package aimed at vulnerable groups, such as people living with disability, young people, seniors, multicultural communities, social housing residents and victim survivors of family violence.
The programs that would be funded include practical support to help book vaccinations or arranging childcare to help parents get to their appointments.
COVID-19 active case numbers have remained largely stable in recent weeks.
The average number of cases in the Greater Bendigo municipality has averaged nearly 15 each day over the past fortnight.
The number sat at 14.7 per day on average, according to an analysis of Department of Health numbers over the last 14 days.
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