As the COVID vaccination rollout expands to the 16-39 age bracket, residents in the Orbost area have faced challenges making bookings to get their jab.
But despite some troubles, locals are still stepping forward to receive their first and second dose, with Orbost Regional Health (ORH) chief executive officer, Vicki Farthing, reporting no lack of hesitancy.
“ORH receives our Pfizer vaccinations from the Gippsland Public Health Unit, who in turn receive their supply from the State Government, who receive their supply from the Commonwealth.  The Gippsland Public Health Unit is in the unenviable position of having to delegate out the supply that they get to all of the State hubs in Gippsland, that is, all of the vaccination clinics attached to public hospitals,” Ms Farthing said. 
“Bookings for the state clinics have to be done through a centralised booking system that unfortunately we have no control over. When we add in new clinic times for people to book in to, it can take up to one week for the changes to appear on the centralised booking system. 
“This has been a frustration for us and for the Gippsland Public Health Unit as well as they cannot make changes to the system either.  “The GP clinics and Aboriginal cooperatives in Gippsland receive their supplies directly from the Commonwealth.  They are able to manage the bookings themselves, which simplifies the process.