The recently announced vaccination popup hubs being run by the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) in Prahran and Brunswick have received support and encouragement by the Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Greg Hunt.
“In collaboration with Melbourne Primary Health Networks and the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne, the Australian Government is proud to be supporting a mass vaccination activity in the coming weeks,” Minister Hunt said.
“We anticipate that some 2,000 people will be vaccinated over the coming month at these pop-up clinics in key locations in Melbourne. This activity forms a part of the Government’s commitment to ensuring timely vaccinations for all people, including some of our most vulnerable communities including people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
“I would like to commend and thank Mr Bill Papastergiadis OAM and the Victorian and Melbourne Greek Orthodox Community for their support and leadership in this life saving effort to ensure as many people as possible are vaccinated in their community.”
Following the success of the vaccine pop-up at the GCM’s St George Church in Thornbury, the GCM sought further support to extend its vaccinations program aimed in part at vulnerable community members.
Two Pfizer programs have been supported by the Australian Government’s Department of Health via the PHN:
- Wednesday, October 20 to Saturday, October 23 at St Demetrios church in Prahran; and
- October 30 and 31 at St Eleftherios in Brunswick.
The vaccination hubs aim to help Victoria reach its vaccination goals faster by targeting local communities.
The President of the GCM, Mr Bill Papastergiadis OAM said: “We are working with the Federal Government and Minister Hunt on bringing vaccinations closer to our communities. This is an important step in protecting lives and opening up society so that we can once again spend time with our loved ones here and abroad.”
“We thank Minister Hunt for working with the Greek Community of Melbourne on this initiative. At all times the Minister has been accessible and friendly in his dealings with us. He has demonstrated a real commitment on making this initiative happen. He has personally involved himself to ensure it’s success.”
The Windsor hub is being run by medical staff from the Port Melbourne Medical Centre, who also run a pop up centre at the Port Melbourne Football Club.
As with the GCM’s earlier Thornbury effort, the Hellenic Medical Society of Australia (HMSA) will once again be supporting the Prahran and Brunswick initiatives by provide Greek speaking doctors at each location.
The president of the HMSA and GCM Board member, A/Prof Marinis Pirpiris, encouraged the community to get vaccinated saying “vaccinations have never been more accessible.”
“The Federal Government initiative is aimed to provide culturally and linguistically diverse communities an ability to get vaccinated in a hub that is convenient. The community hubs provide information in a format that addresses concerns in a culturally inclusive manner by addressing cultural and social concerns in a patient centered approach,” he noted.
“The Greek Community of Melbourne and the Hellenic Medical Society of Australia are committed to providing information and access to vaccines for the members of our community to make informed and timely decision related to their health.
“Please book and come and visit the hubs. There will be health care workers and doctors to answer your questions and concerns. The vaccines help provide everyone with an ability to protect your families, loved ones, friends and colleagues from serious illness and death from COVID-19.”
The Windsor vaccination pop-up hub at St Demetrios Church Hall at 380 High Street, Prahran, will be held on Wednesday, October 20 to Saturday, October 23.
Bookings are essential and can be made via the following link: https://bit.ly/GOCVaxHub or by calling 03 9662 2722 (Mon – Fri).
Please note that walk-ups will not be accepted.
Information and registration details about the Brunswick vaccination pop-up at St Eleftherios church hall on Saturday, October 30 and Sunday, October 31 will follow.
