Today I became eligible for a COVID vaccine so I was keen to get it done. The web site indicated that my closes mass vaccination centre is the Melbourne Exhibition centre. The site said I could book an appointment or just turn up and there was a 15 minute wait. I decided to be a "walk-in".
Arriving at the address, I could see the building but no visible signs or people. There are some signs but they are on the ground.
It turned out that the entrance was on the side opposite the Museum.
The queue was short but slow moving. There was no sign to confirm what the queue actually was. A bloke in the queue before me joked that he was here for the beer festival (which was on the last time he was here). After a while staff came out and asked for people who had booked to come out and go straight in, even if their appointment was hours in the future.
At the door we were temperature checked and given masks.
Once inside, there are more queues. We were advised to have our Medicare card handy.
At the desk we were also asked for photo ID so people had to dig through their purses and wallets.
After the interview we were then directed to a mysterious system of rows of spaced chairs, then on to a single row of chairs and finally to a booth with a person to give the "jab".
The injection was completely painless for me. Next jab is due in 12 weeks, you can go as early as 4 weeks but 12 weeks is better.
After the jab you sit for 15 minutes before leaving. All staff I interacted with were efficient and professional.
Lessons for consumers:
- Booking is a fast track to the door
- Bring your Medicare card and photo ID
- Bring information on any medications you might be on such as blood thinners
- Put up a big sign at the address you give directing people to the queues
- Have signs on the queues saying what they are: "walk-in" vs "appointment"
- Tell people they need to have Medicare and photo ID ready
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