Northern Health has closed its mass vaccination hub at Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre, PRACC, following a campaign that resulted in vaccination rates soaring.
The centre was opened in June when vaccination rates across the City of Whittlesea were well below the state average.
Last week the City of Whittlesea hit the 90 per cent double vaccinated milestone for those aged 15 and above and 93.4 per cent for single vaccinated.
City of Whittlesea chief executive Craig Lloyd said the centre had achieved its goal of vaccinating large numbers of people as quickly as possible with 241,190 vaccines delivered by Northern Health.
“The City of Whittlesea was proud to work with the Victorian Government and DPV Health initially, followed by Northern Health to support the mass vaccination site,” he said.
“Now with 90 per cent of our community double vaxxed, it’s time to return PRACC to community use again in 2022.
Mr Lloyd thanked the community for supporting the vaccination efforts.
“We know how important it was for our community to be vaccinated to be able to get back to what they love and we look forward to seeing everyone back enjoying entertainment at PRACC next year,” he said.
Northern Health’s infection prevention director of operations Madelaine Flynn said Northern Health was incredibly grateful for the partnership with the council to vaccinate the local community.
“Our highest priority is the safety and wellbeing of our community, so we are proud to have made a significant contribution to reaching over 90 per cent vaccination rate,” she said.
Northern Health ceased vaccination at PRACC on December 5 and reopened the next day at the Northern Centre for Health, Education and Research building at the Northern Hospital.
Entry is via Cooper Street, alongside the COVID testing. Vaccination hours are 9.45am to 5.20pm.
Bookings for PRACC will reopen in the new year.
