Friday July 23, 2021

Well-known Channel 9 television identity Rebecca Maddern has joined  Barwon Health as a “Community Hero” ambassador for the Barwon South West vaccination rollout.

Maddern, a loyal Cats supporter and number one ticket holder,  who grew up in Geelong, believes getting a vaccination is important in order to help get back to doing things we love,

“Who doesn’t want to get back to the way things were? Silly question I know. I’m vaccinated because it’s the only way out of this. It’s the only way businesses can get back on their feet, it’s the only way we can be reunited with loved ones, it’s the only way our kids get back to school full time,” she says

Like many in the Geelong region, high on the top of Rebecca’s list of to-do when things get back to normal is to get back to the footy,

“We’ve missed out on so much, haven’t we?  Special events, weddings, milestone birthdays, so many joyous occasions which enrich our lives. I also want to get back to the footy to watch my Cats!”

This message has been  backed by Professor Eugene Athan, Barwon Health’s director of the Barwon South West Public Health Unit.

“It is vital that people get vaccinated as soon as possible to ensure they are protected from COVID-19,” Prof. Athan said.

“We are now fortunate to have vaccines that will protect us from COVID-19. These are very  effective vaccines that can protect, you, your loved ones and the community.”

The Barwon Health Community Hero campaign is being supported by the Geelong Advertiser who is putting out a ‘call to arms’ to get everyone across Geelong and the Surf Coast vaccinated. The Barwon Health Community Hero campaign will feature identities from around the region supporting the Barwon South West vaccination rollout.

As the Barwon South West Public Health Unit continues to roll out the COVID-19 vaccination program across the region, the program reached an impressive milestone recently with more than 176,000 doses now administered across the Barwon South West region.

Bookings for Astra Zeneca vaccinations are currently available to anyone aged 18 years and over at the Community Vaccination Hub in Norlane. Walk-ins are available however bookings are preferred.

Additional Pfizer bookings are also now available for those eligible. Bookings are being added regularly so please continue to check the website if you are unable to secure an appointment.

To make a booking call 1800 675 398 or book online https://portal.cvms.vic.gov.au/. Additional appointments are added as supply becomes available. Please check the website for details and eligibility.