THE Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is now available in Bright as well as Myrtleford, although the brand is not yet available in Mount Beauty.

Bright Medical Centre is administering the vaccine in line with the eligibility guidelines laid down in the Australian Government’s COVID-19 vaccination program, which can be found on the www.health.gov.au website.

“At the moment our clinics are scheduled for after hours sessions, starting from 5pm on weeknights,” practice manager Peta Cherry said.

“Our aim is to vaccinate 150 patients per week initially, then increase our numbers as we receive greater supplies of the vaccine.”

Myrtleford’s Standish Street Medical Practice began its Pfizer rollout at its COVID vaccination clinic at the RSL sub-branch rooms in Smith Street last week.

The Pfizer vaccine it has yet to become available at Mount Beauty Medical Centre, practice manager Pat Ryder advised.

All three local practices have plenty of stocks of the Astra Zenica vaccine.

Each practice requires patients to make an appointment for their respective vaccination clinics.

Meanwhile, a mobile COVID vaccination clinic began operating across the shire last week from Alpine Health facilities at three locations in:

- Bright – Alpine Community Health Centre, 32-36 Cobden Street on Mondays;

- Myrtlford – Myrtleford Hospital Urgent Care, 30 O’Donnell Ave on Tuesdays; and

- Mount Beauty – Mt Beauty Hospital Conference Room, 2-8 Hollonds St on Wednesdays.

The clinics will operate by strictly by appointment only from 10am – no walk-ins will be seen.

Only the Astra Zenica vaccine is available from the mobile clinics, with the Pfizer vaccine to be added when stocks become available.

Alpine Health CEO Nick Shaw advised residents to first check their eligibility for vaccination at covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility

To book an appointment call the Victorian Government COVID hotline on 1800 675 398 or use the online booking system at portal.cvms.vic.gov.au

The vaccine is free and anyone due for a second dose will receive the same vaccine brand as their first.