For Caleb Jackson, getting vaccinated was more than just a personal choice.
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It represented businesses getting back on their feet, life returning to the city, and people feeling some sense of normality again.
Mr Jackson is 22, a university student and part-time worker in Bendigo, and on Friday morning he received his first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine.
Mr Jackson is one of many young people who have taken advantage of the additional doses of the readily available AstraZeneca vaccine.
He said it was important to get vaccinated against COVID-19 sooner rather than later.
"Getting vaccinated seems to be the only way forward and is the only way we can get back to some sense of normality," he said.
"There was AstraZeneca around and it's readily available, so why not?"
Mr Jackson enjoys the outdoors, going camping and seeing his friends and family.
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"Not being able to do that really sucks," he said. "Lockdowns are terrible and it's worse for other people who are in financial hardship.
"I have been lucky in that regard, the lockdowns have had a lot worse effects on other people.
"If we can get back to our normal lives soon, that would be the goal and getting vaccinated looks to be the way."
Mr Jackson said he had seen lots of misinformation and concern around the AstraZeneca vaccine. But after looking into it himself, his decision was clear.
"It just didn't seem like much of a risk to get the AstraZeneca vaccine once I did my research and after I had to chat with the doctor," he said.
"There is concern around the vaccine, so just do your research and have a chat with a GP and they will be able to answer any questions you have.
"Those doctors know a lot more about the vaccine than many people, including myself."
Mr Jackson received his vaccination at the Spring Gully Respiratory Clinic on Friday.
He said the process was clear and concise.
"When talking to the GP before you get your vaccination, you can talk through your specific questions about yourself and it's a very thorough process," he said.
"The process was really organised and didn't feel rushed once you were in the room with the doctor, they weren't trying to rush you, they were happy to answer questions and explained everything in depth."
Mr Jackson hoped by sharing his experience, more people would come forward and get vaccinated.
"Most of my friends already have the vaccine whether that is AstraZeneca or Pfizer, but it is good to see many people coming forward," he said.
"Considering we are the least at risk for the virus in regional Victoria, it's really positive and great to see so many getting vaccinated and doing good for the community.
"It's not just about us, it's for everyone."
Spring Gully Respiratory Clinic director Ewa Piejko said with wait times for Pfizer pushing out to October and November, many young people were taking advantage of the readily available AstraZeneca doses.
"We do have a lot of AstraZeneca available here at the respiratory clinic and also at Bendigo Health," she said.