Our latest high-volume COVID-19 vaccination centre opened at Sandown Racecourse in Springvale on Wednesday 19 May, with the Channel 7 Sunrise team on hand to cover the hub of activity.
Sandown joins the Monash Health Vaccination Centre at Cranbourne Turf Club in the growing number of centres, designed to offer vaccination to protect Victorian communities against COVID-19.
Monash Health’s Chief Operating Officer, Martin Keogh, had his first vaccine live on air as Chief Executive, Andrew Stripp, spoke to David Koch and emphasised the importance of bringing vaccination to the community.
Our first patient, Mary Ayre, was early through the doors after the centre opened at 9.00am. “I saw the story on the telly and I live five minutes away, so I thought, I’m doing this this morning.
“There is no need to be hesitant; it’s simple, easy, and very quickly done with the experienced staff here.”
Mary said her motivation was being “able to do to things freely and with ease” once she’s fully vaccinated.
Members of the South Sudanese community were among the first visitors to the site, with Kenyatta Dei Wal, Chairman of the Federation of South Sudanese Associations in Victoria, arriving with a community contingent keen to be vaccinated so they could spread the word.
“COVID-19 is real, and I want to protect myself, my family, friends and relatives,” Kenyatta said.
“Vaccination is not complicated, supported here by the Monash Health staff. I want to make sure I pass the message to my community to encourage others to come and be vaccinated.”
Thank you to our community for leading the way in the fight against COVID-19.
If you’d like to make a booking at Sandown Racecourse, Springvale, or Cranbourne Turf Club, Cranbourne, call 1800 675 398, and select option 1, then option 1, then option 1.
Both centres are open from 9.00am to 5.00pm every day, including weekends. To avoid delays or disappointment, we recommend booking.
Further details about both locations can be found here.