A medical clinic in Ballarat has been recognised for its outstanding efforts in protecting vulnerable community members from COVID-19.

Lotus Family Clinic is one of thirteen general practices awarded an In-Home COVID-19 Vaccinations for Vulnerable Populations Grant by Western Victoria Primary Health Network (WVPHN) to deliver a home in-reach COVID-19 vaccination service. Funded by the Commonwealth Government, the grants aim to increase vaccination uptake among hard-to-reach communities.   

Since Lotus Family Clinic commenced homebound vaccination delivery in November 2021, the Delacombe practice has administered 237 homebound COVID-19 vaccinations to vulnerable community members in Ballarat.   

The clinic is responsible for over two thirds of the 347 in-home vaccinations delivered to vulnerable populations in the Ballarat region, and over 10 per cent of all homebound COVID-19 vaccinations coordinated on a national level.

The team at Lotus Family Clinic leading the way for COVID-19 in-home vaccinations in Ballarat. Pictured: Melissa Connolly, Dr Sachin Dahiya, Dr Jordan Mayston, Rebecca Kelly-Broadbent, Alison Lindsay and Amy Borain of Lotus Family Clinic.

Speaking on Lotus Family Clinic’s involvement in the program, Dr Sachin Dahiya said his practice was pleased to participate in the in-home vaccination program to ensure at-risk individuals in Ballarat had access to vaccinations that protected them from COVID-19.   

“The Home Vaccination Program is a great initiative to provide vaccinations to vulnerable populations who cannot leave home to receive a COVID-19 vaccination, like the frail and elderly in residential care and people living with a disability or a mental health condition. As a healthcare provider we took this opportunity to work and support Western Victoria Primary Health Network, the staff of Lotus, and residential and aged care staff to provide COVID-19 vaccinations and help our community to achieve fully vaccinated status in timely manner.” Dr Dahiya said.   

WVPHN Chief Executive Officer, Rowena Clift said the work of Lotus Family Clinic through the In-Home COVID-19 Vaccination Program highlighted the importance of localised services that directly respond to health care needs.   

Ms Clift said: “We acknowledge Lotus Family Clinic and their tremendous efforts in helping vulnerable community members access COVID-19 vaccination through their in-home service. Dr Dahiya and his team have significantly increased vaccination uptake among communities in Ballarat who would have otherwise experienced difficulty obtaining a COVID-19 vaccination.”  

“Primary care plays an integral role in preventative health care and WVPHN is pleased to have such a dedicated primary care workforce working alongside us to improve health outcomes for the people of western Victoria.” Ms Clift said.  

Groups eligible for in-home vaccination through WVPHN’s In-Home Vaccination Program include elderly or frail community members and to those with a disability who are unable to leave home.   

Individuals experiencing homelessness, culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities who may find it difficult to use mainstream services, and people in rural and remote areas with limited healthcare options are also eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccinations through the in-home vaccinating service.  

The In-Home Vaccination Program is running across the WVPHN catchment and has been extended until 30 June 2022.   

A list of participating clinics can be found on the Western Victoria COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics webpage.