THE Mallee electorate has reached another milestone in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, with 80 per cent of eligible residents being jabbed at least once.
Member for Mallee Anne Webster said it would only be a matter of time until the electorate reached 80 per cent fully vaccinated.
"This is a fantastic result and puts Mallee in a position to open up safely," Dr Webster said.
"It's reassuring that the rate of uptake has not slowed down.
"We are seeing a steady week-by-week rate of uptake across Mallee, which tells me that people are keen to be vaccinated.
"I have no doubt that these numbers will continue to rise and that we may get well over 90 per cent coverage.
"This means we will have all the more confidence to open up and get back to normal life."
Data released by the Federal Department of Health showed that 83.1 per cent of the eligible population in Mallee had received at least one dose, while 51.9 per cent had received both doses.
This week across Mallee, more than 7300 people received their first dose and about 5306 people received their second dose.
With the exception of Mildura Rural City, every local government area in Mallee has reached the 80 per cent first dose target.
Buloke Shire reached 91.5 per cent, Swan Hill 89.8 per cent and Gannawarra 87.1 per cent this week.
"Communities across Mallee should give themselves a pat on the back for these outstanding results," Dr Webster said.
"Although Mildura is currently lagging behind the rest of Mallee (77 per cent first dose), this is no cause for alarm.
"The rate of uptake in Mildura is still strong.
"Pharmacies in Mildura and across Mallee now have access to the Moderna vaccine, for all those under the age of 60 years."
Dr Webster said Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews needed to provide families and businesses with more confidence that life would begin to look "more normal".
"The Premier's roadmap for delivering the National Plan has been released, but needs to provide more certainty and hope for families and businesses," she said.
"The Premier's plan needs to show how restrictions will ease to provide greater freedoms once we hit 80 per cent double vaccination."