KANIVA and Birchip have pulled ahead in the race to vaccinate the Wimmera, with the towns celebrating 100 per cent first dose vaccination of their populations aged 16 to 59.
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The result comes after a concerted effort from health services in the region to target the furthest corners of the Wimmera through vaccine outreach.
West Wimmera Health Service acting chief executive Darren Welsh said the high vaccine numbers were a team effort.
"These outstanding results are a testament to the community commitment to being vaccinated and protecting each other; this has been assisted through the efforts of local government, local hospitals and GP practices," he said.
"This community is very aware of the importance of vaccination to not only reduce the effects of COVID illness but also in enabling them to participate in cross border activities in the future which is part of their normal lifestyle."
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Elsewhere in the Wimmera, Rupanyup has 96 per cent first dose of their population aged 16 to 59, Stawell has 88 per cent, Nhill has 86 per cent, Warracknabeal has 84 per cent and Horsham has 75 per cent.
West Wimmera Health Service, alongside the Royal Flying Doctors Service and Wimmera Health Care Group, have operated several pop-up clinics in Nhill, Kaniva and Goroke to drive numbers up.
Mr Welsh said the turnout to the clinics had been high and encouraged others to get vaccinated.
"If you haven't booked in your appointment or are waiting for a particular vaccine - do not wait. The best vaccine you can get is the vaccine you can get today," he said.
A second round of vaccination clinics will be held during October.
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