Vaccine van returns to Mildura

Staffed by health professionals from Star Health and the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO), it will also welcome walk-ins at 106 Pine Avenue, Mildura, between 9am and 5pm.

As part of its service, the van will offer giveaways including VACCHO’s new Protect Mob T-shirts, designed by Yorta Yorta women Rebecca and Sarah Hunt.

Mallee District Aboriginal Services (MDAS) chief executive Jacki Turfrey said local efforts such as the vaccine van had helped make “significant inroads” in improving vaccination rates in the Aboriginal community.

The vaccine van visited Merbein and Red Cliffs last month and provided 117 COVID-19 vaccines over four days.

Ms Turfrey said the van helped provide “culturally focused” responses which, as shown last month, were “met by open arms”.

“Staff were able to have pragmatic and truthful conversations with community about the vaccine – which was really valuable,” Ms Turfrey said.

“We welcome people to come along and have a yarn and share any questions or concerns they might have about the vaccine.”

For more information, call MDAS Mildura on 5018 4100 or email covidvaccineclinic@mdas.org.au.