Health authorities announced 45 locally acquired cases on Wednesday with 36 linked to known clusters and nine mystery cases which are under investigation.

Speaking to the press on Wednesday Mr Merlino said year 12 students were a “priority” for him as the Minister for Education.

He announced an “expanded eligibility program” which will seek to offer all students in their last year of school a vaccine before October 4.

“That is our priority for year 12 students - we want to make sure they're vaccinated before the exams start,” he said.

State vaccination clinics across Victoria and participating GP networks and pharmacies will be involved in the new rollout effort.

Mr Merlino said he wanted to see more children vaccinated with their first dose by the end of the year – after a rising number of COVID-19 infections were recorded in younger people.

Year 12 students, teachers and exam supervisors will be targeted in the expanded eligibility program.

“There is a lot of pressure on the system right now which is to be expected, so please be patient,” the Deputy Premier said.

It comes after a range of support measures were announced for year 12 students in Victoria due to the extended lockdown.

Victorian authorities have confirmed the disadvantage to students due to stay-at-home measures will be taken into account.

COVID-19 cases have fallen in the last few days with 50 cases on Tuesday and 71 cases on Monday but there are still concerns over a number of "mystery" infections.

The state’s sixth lockdown is set to end on Thursday September 2.

Residents are under strict stay-at-home health orders and cannot leave unless they claim one of five permitted reasons.