Bendigo Health infectious diseases physician Andrew Mahony said there were plenty of appointments available before Christmas and New Years.

"At the moment, if you're looking at a five-month gap between second dose and booster, there are currently 15,000 people eligible to have their third vaccination," he said.

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"We're sure there are a lot of people who think they can wait until after Christmas and New Years, but at the same time, we have a developing situation in NSW and the numbers in Victoria aren't going down, waiting probably isn't the best way to go about it.

"We're looking at the risks to the community and from a healthcare perspective we would still like to get as many people in to get their booster as possible because that will be our best defense against Omicron.

"I realise we won't be able to get those 15,000 people in before the clinic closes on Christmas Eve, but as many as possible would really help keep the community safe."

Dr Mahony said even with the clinic closing, there would still be places open for vaccinations.

"We have had great work being done by pharmacy and GP clinics throughout this vaccine roll out so they may be able to take bookings too," he said.

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With some reports of mild side effects from the booster, Dr Mahony said it was important to be aware and be prepared for the possibility.

"We've learnt that if you got side effects from your second dose, it is possible you may get them from the booster," he said.

"But at most you will end up with a sore arm and maybe have some mild flu-like symptoms for a day after.

"It's not something that should deter anyone from getting vaccinated."

Premiers want Australia's COVID-19 booster program sped up as pressure mounts on states to agree to uniform pandemic restrictions to curb surging Omicron infections.

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More than 1.3 million Australians have received a booster shot. The double-dose vaccination rate for people aged 16 and older is sitting around 90.5 per cent.

States are pushing for a shorter booster shot interval as the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation weighs up cutting the recommended wait time from five months.

Dr Mahony said this would increase the amount of eligible people in the region significantly.

"Hypothetically, if you even reduce the wait time to four months between vaccinations, we could have an extra 10,000 more people ready to get their booster," he said.

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Consideration is also being given to whether people will need three doses, not two, to be considered fully vaccinated.

Mr Morrison will meet with premiers and chief ministers on Wednesday.

The Mollison Street clinic will be closed from 1pm December 24 until 10am December 29 before closing again from January 31 until 11am January 4.

You can walk-in for your booster or book online at bendigohealth.org.au/COVID19vaccine

-With AAP

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