Austin Health’s COVID-19 pop up vaccination clinic at the Melbourne Market in Epping has been a huge success, with more than 3,000 market users vaccinated during the past three weeks.

Nurse Unit Manager for Austin Health’s COVID-19 Vaccination Program, Sean Mace, said the team was very happy with the turnout and the response.

“It all goes towards helping protect the fresh produce supply chain,” he said.

“It all went really smoothly – we had a great set up at the markets with easy access for all market users to come and get vaccinated throughout their shifts.”

Pfizer vaccines were administered during the three-week period and the clinic is set to return on Monday 11 October for one week to provide the second doses.

“We’ll also catch any of the first doses who missed out,” Sean said.

Melbourne Market Authority CEO, Mark Maskiell, congratulated the market community for coming out in force to get jabbed.

“Securing a vaccination clinic on-site took the MMA several months of advocating on behalf of our market community, so we are proud that so many people took up the offer of on-site vaccination,” he said.

“It confirms your amazing commitment to protecting your loved ones, your businesses and the fresh produce supply chain.”

The Melbourne Market is Victoria’s wholesale fruit, vegetable and flower trading centre, with more than 5,000 businesses using the Market as a base, buying and selling fresh produce in the early hours of the morning for distribution across Victoria and Australia.  

Austin Health is going to play a key role in coordinating and running a number of pop up vaccination clinics moving forward to help protect vulnerable community groups and critical workforces.