NSW Pharmacies green-lit to jab
AFTER much speculation, the NSW government announced on July 12 that it will enhance its contribution to the federal government’s vaccine rollout to ensure maximum uptake both now and as more supplies arrive.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said NSW will prioritise teachers and aged care workers in the Fairfield, Canterbury Bankstown and Liverpool local government areas where there is greater concern of COVID-19 transmission – it’s this western Sydney cluster which has caused the severe lockdown measures to be enacted.
She said NSW Health vaccination clinics and centres will now begin making the Astrazeneca vaccine available to people aged over 40, and NSW will green-light pharmacies across the state to do the same.
Anyone aged 18-39 wishing to get the Astrazeneca jab, is encouraged to talk to their GP.
NSW has also approached the federal government to ask that any unused GP Pfizer vaccines be redirected to NSW health hubs.
These changes will be complemented with the opening of three new mass vaccination centres and a large vaccination clinic in the coming weeks, adding to the 100 NSW Health vaccination clinics and outreach locations across the state.
“In NSW we have always had a sense of urgency about getting jabs in arms, but the current outbreak has shown just how important it is,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“If we get sufficient supply, these new centres will allow NSW Health to vaccinate up to 200,000 people every week.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard encouraged everyone to book their appointment and get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible to do so.
“We will get through this outbreak if people follow the public health advice, but in the short and long-term, the very best way to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community long term is to get vaccinated,” Minister Hazzard said.
To check your eligibility and book an appointment use the vaccine eligibility checker: https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect. gov.au/eligibility.
Dubbo MP Dugald Saunders told Dubbo Photo News it’s easy to criticise the current situation in NSW with the benefit of hindsight. He said the state government had always acted on the best expert health advice at the time, but the constantly shifting goalposts made any decision difficult.
“The situation around COVID 19 is obviously difficult and changes very quickly. “There was possibly an opportunity to react more quickly to the Eastern Suburbs cases with a local lockdown, but hindsight is a wonderful thing, and the focus now needs to be on what we as a community can do from now,” Mr Saunders said.
“That revolves around supporting each other in every way we can, and getting vaccinated as soon as possible.
“I know that’s been extremely frustrating with a lack of availability, but the federal government has put a massive focus on getting more supplies, and I encourage you to keep trying to get an appointment.”