Region's vaccination numbers rising steadily
Monday 13 September, 2021
Tamworth Region Mayor Col Murray has thanked local residents for understanding the need to get vaccinated with the latest figures showing the region’s vaccination rates steadily climbing.
“We know getting vaccinated is the most important thing we can all do to get on top of the virus and stay out of lockdown,” he said.
“Today the NSW Government figures show 65.6 per cent of local residents in age groups eligible to get a vaccination have had their first shot and 34.8 per of those are fully vaccinated. Only two weeks ago we were just below 60 per cent for first vaccinations.”
Councillor Murray said the steady rise in local vaccination rates appears to be linked to the increasing opportunities for vaccination in the Tamworth region.
“Yesterday we saw 253 people get vaccinated at the Super Sunday Drop-in Vaccination Hub at the Tamworth Sports Dome,” he said. “On Saturday we saw more great work from the Tamworth Aboriginal Medical Service administering about 250 second dose vaccinations.
“These vaccination clinics have been a great addition to the day-to-day work being done by our local GP surgeries, pharmacies, Tamworth Hospital, Calala Respiratory Clinic and the Tamworth Respiratory Clinic to administer vaccines.”
State Member for Tamworth, Kevin Anderson said there have been more than 13,000 first-dose vaccinations go into arms in the Tamworth Regional Council area in the last month.
“A massive thank you to our doctors, nurses and administrative staff who have been putting in extra hours to get this done,” he said.
Cr Murray and Mr Anderson said there will be more local opportunities for vaccination in the coming weeks.
“Opportunities for vaccination continue to open up and diversify, removing any barrier to vaccination, so I encourage those who are yet to have access to a vaccine to stay up-to-date with future opportunities,” Mr Anderson said.
Cr Murray said there will be Moderna vaccines in local pharmacies towards the end of this month and local GPs have started to get increased supplies of Pfizer which will increase the availability of appointments for vaccination.
“On top of that, I know State Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson is in discussions with a number of organisations including the GP Network, pharmacies and Royal Flying Doctor Service about providing greater access to the Pfizer and Modern vaccines in the Tamworth region,” he said.
Cr Murray said different agencies and organisations delivering vaccinations is achieving a great outcome for the Tamworth region community.
“I want to thank everyone for playing a part in getting our community vaccinated,” he said. “We especially appreciate the University of New England Medical Centre and UNE Life for their contribution for making yesterday’s drop-in vaccination hub at Tamworth Sports Dome possible – we simply could not have done it without their expertise.”
University of New England Vice Chancellor Professor Brigid Heywood said: “It’s great to see communities across the region coming together, rolling up their sleeves and working towards a COVID safe community.”