Mernda residents to get a shot of coffee and a COVID-19 at a new neighbourhood pop-up vaccine clinic at Degani Mernda Junction.
The cafe became the state’s first neighbourhood pop-up clinic, with more Degani locations to follow, according to the state government.
Other neighbourhood pop-up clinics will open in gyms, clubs and shopping strips across the state.
The government said the neighbourhood pop-up model is designed to support Victorians to get vaccinated with Pfizer at a convenient location, in a familiar setting, and in a culturally safe way – which is key to increasing uptake.
The pop-ups will vaccinate dozens of people over a two-to-three hour period, delivered in partnership with the
government, local GPs, pharmacies and community organisations, and St John Ambulance.
No bookings will be required at neighbourhood pop-ups, which will be placed within marquees on shopping
strips, inside cultural and community centres, or within popular retail, food and gym outlets.
Neighbourhood pop ups are also planned with several Neighbourhood Houses.
Suburbs in scope for neighbourhood pop-ups are concentrated in Melbourne’s mid and outer north, west and
south east, with Broadmeadows, Craigieburn, Glenroy and South Morang among the next on the list, the government said.
Health Minister Martin Foley said: “We believe we can reach even more people by offering a chance to be vaccinated as they are going about their day-to-day, in a setting that’s familiar, comfortable and local.
“Victoria started this program with mass vaccination centres in some of Australia’s largest buildings, and now we’re finishing it in with mini-pop ups in the suburban cafes and shops that people visit every day.
“We couldn’t do any of this without the enthusiastic partnership of general practice, pharmacy, community
organisations and local businesses.”
