By Jamie Salter
A Monash Health vaccination bus recently visited Emerald as part of a tour around Melbourne’s South East to offer walk-in Covid-19 vaccinations for the community.
First, second and third doses were available for those eligible for a Covid-19 vaccine with no prior bookings required.
Emerald Secondary College principal James Barut said the school assisted with offering a non-prejudicial service to the community.
“Monash Health contacted us about hosting the vaccination bus and our layout allows enough capacity for the vaccination centre to take place with preparation and resting areas,” Mr Barut said.
“We understand families are busy and we know people have done their homework as to whether they want to get it or not, it’s entirely up to them and it’s purely here for the convenience of the community.”
The Monash Health South East Public Health Unit vaccination bus was launched in December 2021.
Monash Health associate nurse manager Jen Lee said the pop-up clinic provided more opportunities for people to get vaccinated.
“The bus is able to come to not just Emerald but many location in South-East Melbourne and we connect with the community and the community enjoy coming to us to get vaccinated – it’s easier when it’s on your doorstep as opposed to going to one of the bigger vaccination centres,” she said.
“As long as there’s people still out there that haven’t been vaccinated we’ll still come out and focus on the areas without the higher numbers.
“The more people that get vaccinated, the more we protect our community and loved ones so that we can try and beat Covid-19 and get back to a post-Covid-19, normal life.”
The pop-up clinic was held at Emerald Secondary College Performing Arts Centre on Wednesday 23 March from 3.30pm to 7pm.
For more information on the location of the vaccination bus and eligibility, visit sephu.org