COVID-19 jab could be offered to more Victorians amid outbreak

More people could be offered the COVID-19 vaccine in Victoria as the Melbourne cluster continues to grow.

Six new cases have brought the current outbreak total to 15, with all cases so far linked.

Acting Premier James Merlino said in a press conference this morning that one of the government's priorities was increasing the vaccine rollout.

READ MORE: Melbourne cluster grows to 15 after six new cases

"We are looking at what we can do in terms of eligibility," he said. 

"We want people to get vaccinated as soon as possible and I will have more to say on that shortly."

Vaccination rates have already jumped on the back of the ongoing outbreak, with Mr Merlino hailing a "massive increase".

He urged people eligible to continue coming forward to get the jab, insisting there was no issue with supply. 

READ MORE: Next 24 hours 'critical' for Victoria as COVID-19 cluster grows

"Right now, we do not have a problem with the supply," he said. 

"We have got the capacity to do two to three times what we have been doing, and we saw that yesterday. 

"We need people to pick up the phone, call the vaccine hotline, book an appointment and get vaccinated."

READ MORE: Guest limits, mask rules: All the new restrictions for Melbourne

Australia-wide, nearly 3.6 million vaccines have been administered.

Alongside priority groups such as people with underlying health conditions and frontline healthcare workers, Victoria's vaccination program is currently open to anybody aged 50.

People can check if they are eligible for a vaccine, and when, with the federal government's online checker.

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