Nearly 600,000 people have now received the free COVID-19 vaccine, with rural and remote Australians a key priority of the NSW Nationals in the federal government.
NSW Nationals Regional Health Minister Mark Coulton said: “The vaccine roll out in regional Australia is on track, thanks to the work being done by our General Practitioners, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services and Commonwealth vaccination clinics in partnership with the states and territories.”
“As the national rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine continues, I want to remind people living in rural and remote areas that they need to be vaccinated as much as city dwellers,” Mr Coulton said.
“Rural areas have seen very few COVID-19 cases, because of quick action by governments and the health sector to stop the spread, including the rapid expansion of telehealth, creation of GP-led respiratory clinics, and special measures for Indigenous communities.
“But we have seen how easily the virus can spread from just a single case in communities. To reduce the risk, without further lockdowns and border closures, we need to take the next major step. Vaccination is without doubt our greatest weapon to fight this disease.”
More than 1000 GPs came online last week as part of the vaccination programme, with more than 4000 expected to join in the weeks ahead.
Mr Coulton has encouraged rural Australians to visit the vaccine Eligibility Checker at health.gov.au or call the Vaccination Helpline on 1800 020 080.
