Council urges Victorian Government: ‘Let us vaccinate'

Published on 10 September 2021

Hume City Council is calling on the Victorian Government to allow Council to support a more targeted and accessible vaccine roll out approach for Hume residents.

Mayor of Hume City, Councillor Joseph Haweil said local councils are ideally placed to support a more targeted outreach program. 

“The blanket approach to the COVID-19 vaccine roll out is clunky, inconsiderate and unsuitable for many in our community,” Cr Haweil said.

“We’re calling on the Victorian Government to allow us to play a part in vaccinating residents. We want to make it easier for our community to access the vaccine and we’re in a position to do that."

Council has trained and experienced nursing staff who are ready to support. 

“There are many touch-points that local government has where we could administer the vaccine to our community such as through the school immunisation program and at Maternal and Child Health Centres.

“We also have strong knowledge of the community and bi-lingual staff who can connect with residents and improve health literacy. 

“More than 50 per cent of residents were ineligible for the vaccine up until a fortnight ago when supply swiftly began to dwindle. The reality is that many residents can’t get an appointment.” Cr Haweil said.

Council is calling on the Victorian Government to support bespoke arrangements to improve access to Hume residents, including:

• Pop-up vaccination sites in different suburbs to move away from mass centres.
• Mobile vaccination vans to cater for those who don’t have access to suitable transport options.
• Walk-in arrangements so our community can get vaccinated and are not faced with delays due to lack of appointment times.
• Increase capacity and supply at Ford factory site in Campbellfield.
• Provide support for additional translator and mass communication efforts around the City.

Council is currently undertaking a range of initiatives to support the Hume community to get vaccinated including community engagement programs, partnerships with DPV Health and St Vincent’s and a local COVID vaccine campaign to residents.

For more information visit hume.vic.gov.au/coronavirus