MILDURA has not been included among 23 priority Victorian municipalities under a program to help primary care providers increase the number of people they can vaccinate.
The Mildura local government area has more than seven times the number of positive COVID-19 cases per head of population than some of the regions included in the COVID-19 Vaccination Primary Care Grants Program. It provides funding of up to $10,000 to ensure GPs and pharmacies can continue vaccinating as many people as possible in January and February.
The grants aim to deliver more vaccination bookings for high-priority groups by helping providers maximise their vaccination service through extended hours, expanded capacity, support for people with specific needs and hiring extra staff such as immunisers and interpreters.
Mildura had 1393 positive COVID cases per 100,000 population after 115 new cases were reported on Friday.
Among local government areas included in the COVID-19 Vaccination Primary Care Grants Program are Greater Bendigo (709 cases per 100,000), Mount Alexander (774) and Horsham (878).
Swan Hill, which had 1196 cases per 100,000 population, including 74 active cases in Robinvale, has also been left off the list.
More than one million Victorians are now eligible for a third dose, while child vaccinations also started this week.
The Victorian Government said more than 210 general practitioners and pharmacists had already shared in $2.8 million of grants as part of the program, with 48 provided to regional Victoria.
