Michaela Meade
Hume resident and GP Amrooha Hussain is encouraging the community to continue coming forward to get vaccinated against COVID-19 amid a “huge response” from the younger cohort.
Recently released data from the federal health department revealed the Hume municipality had the lowest vaccination rate in the state for both first and second doses at 40.8 per cent and 22.4 per cent respectively.
According to the data, Queenscliffe had the highest in the state, with 86.9 per cent of eligible people having received their first dose, and 64 per cent their second.
Despite Hume’s low rate, Dr Hussain – who works at Myhealth in Airport West – said she has seen the community being very keen to get vaccinated.
“Certainly [since] the state government opened up the eligibility to 18 to 39 year olds, we’ve seen a huge response,” Dr Hussain said.
“Our bookings are through the roof, it’s really hard to get a booking now because people have shown a lot of enthusiasm.
“We’re seeing a lot of people come across the line to get vaccinated.
“They were just waiting to be eligible, and there definitely seems to be a huge demand.”
For anyone hesitant to get the jab, Dr Hussain said to be assured that both available vaccines in Victoria, AstraZeneca and Pfizer, are safe and effective.
“I want to make sure people understand that both vaccines we have are fantastic at preventing illness, hospitalisation and death,” Dr Hussain said.
“From a safety profile, the risks are extremely low with AstraZeneca.
“You just need to have a conversation with your doctor to see which vaccine is right for you.”
Dr Hussain said getting vaccinated is “the best way to protect ourselves”.
“We want to get people protected quickly, as quickly as possible,” Dr Hussain said.
“The north-west is facing a challenging time.
“If we can support them, our community… that’s just a great thing.
“We have to encourage our community to get vaccinated.”
