Some Border residents are frustrated they haven't been able to make first and second COVID-19 vaccination appointments simultaneously, but the Victoria Department of Health says it's to avoid wastage.
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Many residents have reported waiting more than an hour to book a vaccination appointment on the Victorian Coronavirus 1800 Hotline, only to then find they can book only their first appointment.
DHHS does not allow second bookings until after the first dose, a policy designed to avoid unnecessary and wasteful future bookings in the instance that a person does not attend their first dose appointment, or the first dose is not administered for other reasons.
At many Victorian state-run vaccination sites, people book in for the second dose at the time of receiving their first dose. Where this is not available, Victorians are encouraged to book their second dose via the hotline on 1800 675 398 as soon as possible to secure their preferred date and time.
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In a statement, Albury Wodonga Health said thanked the community for their patience during the high demand for COVID-19 testing and vaccinations.
"We are aware of the community's concerns and frustrations when trying to book their vaccinations through the Victorian Coronavirus Hotline and in-person at the Wodonga Vaccination Hub and apologise for this inconvenience," the statement said.
"We are working with the Victoria Department of Health to improve these booking services as soon as possible for our regional community.
"Our Vaccination Hub staff are available to take walk in bookings for both first and second doses of their vaccination at the front entrance of the clinic, via the Hovell street carpark entrance in Wodonga."
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