One of the many services reshaped to meet the needs of our community during the COVID-19 pandemic is the new Monash Drive-In Vaccination Service, set to open on Clayton Road next week.
Based on models operating in other places around the world, the new vaccination clinic takes our existing whole-of-life vaccination services and makes them available to the community in a practical way, which maximises protection for our patients and employees.
The service will run from Clayton Hall at 264 Clayton Road and will initially involve a doctor and 2-3 nurses on each shift, while the team assesses the flow and demand.
Monash Immunisation Nurse Unit Manager, Joanne Hickman, says the team has essentially re-located the whole service and has thought carefully about how to provide adequate safety and supervision, while also meeting the community need.
“Our primary target is the Monash Health patient community and many of the family members of our vulnerable patient cohort at places like Monash Children’s. They are really keen to make sure they have their vaccinations up to date.
“We are reducing the contact and exposure for our employees and patients to the potential spread of COVID-19.
“We will also consider opening up to the wider community if the service is needed.”
Monash Health employees who are currently working from home can also use the service for their flu vaccination provided they complete the online declaration form.
Professor Jim Buttery, Head of Monash Immunisation, says the drive-through service is a result of great collaboration within Monash Health and with Monash Council. Innovations include the use of QR codes on mobile phones to limit the need to use pens and paper, which can carry germs.
“We are so grateful for the rapid response from so many teams, including engineering and the council, to make this available for our community,” Jim said.
The recommended 15‐minute supervised wait following a vaccination will take place in the 8‐9 car bays set aside for the purpose. A patient has their treatment and then waits in their car, with a nurse able to see them while they remain on the site.
The clinic will be up and running next week, with initial operating hours from 9am to 3pm on weekdays.