With Victoria having hit its 80 per cent first dose target and the Commonwealth providing assurances on forward vaccine supply, the Victorian Government is now able to shorten the interval between Pfizer doses to reach our double dose targets faster.

Following advice from our public health team, and firmer projections for supply for the final week in October, the Pfizer interval will be reduced to three weeks – commencing 4 October.

This means that anyone who has received their first dose of Pfizer will be able to bring forward their second dose – if they choose to. Changes in the vaccine booking system will be made overnight on 3 October and on 4 October people will be able to make a second dose booking from three weeks after they had their first dose.

Being fully vaccinated is the best defence against this virus. Unfortunately, there are limited appointments available in our state system due to supply – so we encourage anyone wanting to book an appointment to check with their GP and pharmacy too.

The change also recognises the amazing efforts of Victorians to come forward and get their first doses, with the 80 per cent first dose milestone reached yesterday.

While these are great milestones – and this latest change will help us reach our Roadmap thresholds sooner – 20 per cent of Victorians 16 and over are yet to get their first dose, so we need to keep the momentum going.

The next threshold in the Roadmap will be reached when Victoria hits its 70 per cent double dose vaccination target, which was projected at or around the 26 October without the reduction in dosage interval.

If you haven’t booked your appointment or are waiting for a particular vaccine, do not wait – the best vaccine is the one you can get today.

There will continuously be first dose appointments released into the system to make sure that everyone who wants to get vaccinated and receive the associated freedoms and benefits – is able to do so.

Over the next week there are 10,479 first dose Pfizer appointments available and 8,856 first dose Astra Zeneca appointments available through the state-run system.

Victorians can also book a vaccine appointment through their GP or pharmacist, and many more appointments are available.

Victorian pharmacists are now also offering the Moderna vaccine, which is safe and effective option for any Victorian under the age of 60. This vaccine is also on offer at select state sites.

To book a vaccination through state-run centres – or to see links for how to book at your local GP or pharmacy – visit www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccine

Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews

“We reached our first stop on the Roadmap, but we need to keep the momentum going and today’s change will help us reach those double dose targets as soon as possible.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Martin Foley

“If you’ve been putting it off or waiting to get vaccinated, don’t wait any longer. The best vaccine is the vaccine you can get today and we need to get as many Victorians vaccinated as possible to get back to the things we love.”