Local COVID first dose vaccination rates have passed 50 percent. We are in the middle of the pack.
The Ballarat area, which includes Daylesford and Hepburn Springs, is at 56 percent first doses and 35 percent fully vaccinated for the population aged 15 and over. That is slightly higher than the national average. Areas in Melbourne’s North and West are significantly lower. Bendigo and Geelong are higher.
Nationally, vaccination rates are highest for over 70s at 86 percent first dose and 60 percent fully vaccinated.
Australia is now vaccinating more than 300,000 people a day and 18 million doses have been delivered.
The best available advice says, if we want to keep hospital admissions at manageable levels, we need between 70 and 80 percent of the adult population to be vaccinated across the country before we can start easing restrictions.
It is likely Australia will reach the 70 to 80 percent mark by the end of October.
If reducing your risk of disease and hospitalisation isn’t enough incentive to get vaccinated, then consider the restrictions you might face if you aren’t.
It is increasingly likely that many employers will require vaccinations for their employees. Major events, travel companies, accommodation providers, restaurants, education providers and so on are likely to follow suit for their customers. Europe already has widespread requirements for vaccine passports.
Like it or not, if you want to work, travel, go out and socialise you will need to demonstrate you’ve been vaccinated.
The main challenge now is getting younger adults vaccinated. There is plenty of AstraZeneca and the supply of Pfizer is increasing.
The sooner everyone is vaccinated, the sooner we can lift restrictions.
