The new Moderna bivalent Covid vaccine is now available from the Gippsland Region Public Health Unit’s (GRPHU) mobile vaccination bus, Chitty Chitty Jab Jab.

Approved by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), the new Omicron-specific version of the Moderna vaccine is used as a booster for people aged 18 and over.

GRPHU Operations Director, Annelies Titulaer, said the vaccine provided better protection against some COVID-19 variants circulating in Australia.

“Bivalent points to the fact the vaccine has two targets instead of one,” Ms Titulaer explained.

“It is aimed at stopping infection from the original 2020 COVID-19 variant as well as Omicron variant BA.1.”

While the new vaccine only targets BA.1, it also appears to give some extra protection against subvariants BA.4 and BA.5, the main Omicron variant circulating in Australia.

The GRPHU’s immunisers have been specifically trained in this vaccine and Ms Titulaer said anyone who had not had their third or fourth vaccinations should consider getting the Moderna bivalent as a booster shot.

“The safety of the bivalent vaccine is the same as the original vaccine, which had been demonstrated to be safe in pregnancy and in those who were immunocompromised,” Ms Titulaer explained.

"People at increased risk of severe illness, hospitalisation or death from COVID-19 can talk to their GP or health practitioner if they are unsure. Our friendly bus team is happy to discuss which vaccine is right for you on your arrival.”

The Mobile Van is in Wonthaggi this week, October 28 from 10am – 3pm at the Town Hall.

It will be in San Remo on November 3 from 10am – 2pm, at Marine Parade.

In November, the bus will return to the Town Hall in Wonthaggi on November 11, 21 and 30, between 10am and 2pm.