As local airport boss Justin Giddings rolled up his sleeve for his second dose of AstraZeneca recently, it was a timely reminder for the community to ensure they keep their second dose appointment.
Justin has joined Barwon Health as a community hero for a campaign to help spread the important message that your second dose is just as important as your first. He joins other local community heroes Brian Cook, Chris Scott, Rebecca Maddern and Keith Fagg OAM.
The travel and airline industry is one that has been hardest hit and Justin hopes that vaccination is the first step to getting life back to normal.
“I’ve now had both doses of my AstraZeneca vaccine. Our team and everyone here at Avalon has been hit hard with COVID-19 restrictions, so I’m pleased to now be fully vaccinated,” Justin said.
“I hope this is part of the pathway back to normal life, and eventually international travel.”
Medical advice encourages people to proceed with their second dose appointments, and Justin, aged 47, is pleased to have done so.
“A colleague and I had our second doses of AstraZeneca recently. Both of us are very proud to be fully vaccinated. I had absolutely no side effects which has been great.”
The second dose message is being echoed by the medical advice, and backed by Barwon Health’s Public Health Unit Director, Professor Eugene Athan.
“The medical advice is clear; people should not defer their second dose in the hope of possibly receiving a different vaccine,” Professor Athan said.
“People of any age who have had their first dose of AstraZeneca with only low-grade side effects are extremely unlikely to have any significant issues. AstraZeneca remains a highly effective vaccine that protects, you, your loved ones and the community.”
Bookings for Astra Zeneca vaccinations are currently available to anyone over the age of 18 years at the Community Vaccination Hub in Norlane. Walk-ins are available however bookings are preferred.
Pfizer COVID-19 appointments will be available by booking only. No walk-ins will be accepted for the general community.
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.
