The NSW Nationals in the state government have urgently sent additional COVID-19 vaccines to Walgett and set up a pop-up Pfizer vaccination clinic as part of efforts to protect local residents following a positive case.
NSW Nationals MLC Sam Farraway said more than 10,000 vaccines were being provided, to be shared across the Western NSW local government areas 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 on Friday, August 13 and across the weekend.
Mr Farraway said the jabs will only be available to Walgett residents on Friday, while residents living in the wider Walgett Local Government Area, including Collarenebri and Lightning Ridge, can 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 booking for a second dose when they receive their first shot.
About 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, August 19, 2021.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro thanked federal government for supplying an additional 7680 vaccines to Commonwealth vaccination centres, GPs and Aboriginal Community-controlled Health Services across the eight affected Western NSW LGAs.
“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.”
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.
