BY EMMA KELLAWAY
The Monash University community is optimistic as a new allocation of Pfizer vaccines has increased appointment availability for eligible Monash staff and students.
Monash University Health Services (UHS) received the Pfizer supply increase from the Department of Health, providing an additional 300 first-dose Pfizer appointments each fortnight at the new vaccination clinic on Clayton campus.
The clinic began administering Pfizer vaccinations on August 17, 2021 to Monash staff and students who met the criteria, including those aged 40-59 and students on clinical placement.
The UHS has booked more than 400 appointments already and is on track to meet the fortnightly (first dose) appointment capacity.
Monash University Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice-President Peter Marshall said the allocation was welcome news, as the university expands its efforts to carry out the federal government's vaccination program.
“[Monash] continue to support the government in the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination program to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of the Monash and wider community,” Mr Marshall said.
Mr Marshall said he encouraged those eligible for the vaccine to promptly book their appointments via the online form where additional resources can also be found.
“If we all do our part, we can continue to keep the community safe.”
Monash University student Claudia Sullivan said she was “really excited” to hear Monash had secured a new allocation of Pfizer.
“I think it’s great that Monash has got the vaccine, as obviously we need to get vaccinated if we want COVID-19 to stop being such a problem,” Ms Sullivan said.
Since the Victorian Government announced AstraZeneca is now available for those aged 18-39, Monash University UHS has seen a 135 per cent increase in appointments.
Although Ms Sullivan is not yet eligible for the Pfizer vaccine, she said she is strongly considering getting AstraZeneca.
“I want to get the AstraZeneca so I can hang out with my friends who are more vulnerable to the effects of COVID without feeling bad or like I'm putting them at risk,” Ms Sullivan said.
A Monash University spokesperson said the university is encouraging all Monash community members to get vaccinated “as soon as possible” with an approved vaccine.
“[Monash] will continue to look for ways to make it as easy as possible for COVID-19 vaccinations to be administered, to track progress, and to communicate availability and eligibility to our students and Monash community,” the spokesperson said.
“The university wishes to have as many people as possible vaccinated to keep a vibrant on-campus experience for those who study and work at Monash.”
The Monash University spokesperson urged those with additional questions or concerns regarding the vaccine to contact the UHS.