A NEW vaccination clinic will open at the former Holden dealership on Tone Road, Wangaratta next Monday, giving greater capacity to immunise against COVID-19 coronavirus.
The Northeast Health Wangaratta (NHW) clinic will be moved from its current site on Clark Street, with the last of vaccinations to take place there on Friday.
It's a move that will allow greater parking access for people getting vaccinated and the service will continue to run from Monday to Friday from 9am-4pm.
NHW interim chief executive officer, Fiona Shanks, said the vaccination hub at Clark Street has served the hospital incredibly well but with building redevelopments ongoing it was important to free up the site.
"This new facility is much more comfortable for our visitor experience and our community, as well as for our staff to work in," Ms Shanks said.
Latest Stories
“There will be improved traffic management, more parking and better all abilities access.
"We will have the office, medical spaces and we can surge (increase capacity) if and when we're required to do that."
NHW has been managing more than 200 vaccinations for Pfizer and Astra Zeneca vaccinations per day and the new site could be expanded to accommodate up to double that amount if required.
Ms Shanks explained there are a large portion of Australians who haven't started their vaccination and there is a huge scope to grow the roll out, dependent on government policy and supply.
She said NHW's vaccination clinic takes in a catchment of 90,000 people and is open to anyone living in the broader community and beyond.
"Vaccine is safe, effective and free and I recommend anyone who is eligible to receive the vaccine to book online or via phone," she said.
The screening clinic currently on Docker Street will also move to the Holden dealership as a drive-thru system where people will enter from Vincent Road, but a date on the testing clinic opening has not yet been confirmed.
Demand for testing has grown in recent days due to interstate outbreaks with more than 100 people a day getting tested locally.
"We are experiencing a surge in the community and there are lots of people who have come back from holidays and there is an increased demand at the moment," Ms Shanks said.
The new Vaccination Clinic at 53-61 Tone Road will be operation from Monday, July 5 and to book call 1800 571 121.
The Docker Street Screening Clinic is still operational and to make a booking call 1800 324 942.
Phone enquiries and bookings can be made Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Bookings essential.
