ADDITIONAL COVID VACCINES FOR WESTERN NSW AND POP UP CLINIC FOR RESIDENTS
13 August 2021
MEDIA RELEASE FROM THE HON SAM FARRAWAY MLC
The NSW Government has urgently sent additional COVID-19 vaccines to Walgett and has set up a pop up Pfizer vaccination clinic as part of efforts to protect local residents following a positive case.
Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Premier, Sam Farraway said more than 10,000 vaccines are being provided by the Australian and NSW Governments, to be shared across the Western NSW local government areas (LGAs) of concern including Bogan, Bourke, Brewarrina, Coonamble, Gilgandra, Narromine, Walgett and Warren.
A team is in Walgett to administer the free vaccines at the walk in clinic at the Walgett RSL Club Hall at 69 Fox Street, which will be open from 11am-4pm today, Friday 13 August and across the weekend.
Mr Farraway said the jabs will be available to only Walgett residents on Friday, while residents living in the wider Walgett Local Government Area, including Collarenebri and Lightning Ridge, can also receive a free vaccination on Saturday between 9am- 4pm and Sunday 9am-3pm.
“We’ve seen how quickly the Delta virus can spread and the serious health impact it can have, which is why I urge all eligible Walgett residents aged over 16 to head to the RSL today and get the jab,” Mr Farraway said.
“Walgett residents will need to bring proof of address and their Medicare card, wear a mask and abide by social distancing rules, as will residents from the wider Walgett Shire when they come to the hub on the weekend.
“People must not attend the clinic if they do not live in the Walgett LGA, if they are waiting for a COVID-19 test result, if they are a confirmed close or casual contact, if unwell or if they have had any other vaccination in the past seven days.”
Walgett residents will be provided with a second dose booking when they receive their vaccination tomorrow or on the weekend.
Around 37 per cent of the Walgett community have received their first jab, with 17 per cent having received their second dose. It is essential that people get both vaccine shots to get the best protection.
The Bogan, Bourke, Brewarrina, Coonamble, Dubbo, Gilgandra, Narromine, Walgett and Warren Local Government Areas are currently under stay-at-home orders until 12.01am Wednesday 19 August 2021.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro thanked the Australian Government for supplying an additional 7,680 vaccines to Commonwealth vaccination centres, GPs and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services across the eight affected Western NSW LGAs.
Mr Barilaro said lifting restrictions across NSW so that people can safely get back to work and get on with life can only be considered after more than six million vaccines are administered.
“Getting the jab greatly reduces your risk of dying if you happen to contract the virus and the protection it provides is essential for us to be able to welcome visitors, tourists, customers, suppliers and investors back to the bush,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Tell your parents, tell your family and tell your friends how they can get the jab and the benefits it will provide for them and our community.”
Mr Barilaro said the 40,000 Pfizer doses that were reallocated to Higher School Certificate students in the hardest hit lockdown areas will be fully replenished across regional NSW by 16 August.
To find your closest COVID-19 vaccination location, go to: covid- vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility
For further information about regional NSW COVID-19 rules, go to: www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/what-you-can-do-nsw.