The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) launched a pop-up vaccination hub at its Greek Orthodox Church of St George in Thornbury to help the local community get their COVID-19 vaccine.

The GCM has partnered with DPV Health to administer COVID-19 vaccines from Friday 27 August until Monday 30 August.

The GCM has been working with health authorities who administered age-appropriate COVID-19 vaccines of both the Pfizer and AstraZeneca across the four days. Walk-ins were accepted from the early morning, and bookings accepted into the late afternoon.

The Church Hall accommodated ample space for six booths, with plenty of street parking in the area.

GCM president Bill Papastergiadis OAM was enthused by the Government’s response to the Community’s offer of support saying: “I am pleased that we are working with the Victorian Department of Health to bring the vaccination closer to people in a setting that’s familiar to them. COVID-19 vaccines are free, safe and voluntary. Choosing to get vaccinated helps protect our family and our community.”

The GCM Treasurer and President of the Hellenic Medical Society of Australia Assoc Professor Marini Pirpiris was also enthusiastic of the initiative saying: “I encourage everybody in the Greek community and in the neighbourhood to get vaccinated as it will help keep you and your family safe.”

There were Greek speaking doctors, as well as translators on site to advice around the COVID-19 vaccine and any safety concerns.

Community members were encouraged to bring their family and friends along to get vaccinated.

Over 1.000 people were vaccinated during the four days, with the organisers saying that it exceeded all their expectations.