Wider Vaccination Roll Out

Following pleasing uptake of the two COVID-19 vaccinations available, Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) reports further access to the Pfizer vaccine on its way.

MLHD COVID-19 coordinator, Emma Field said significant numbers from the first two phase groups - 1a and 1b - have taken up the opportunity to be vaccinated in the Hilltops.

The uptake is higher than other regions in the district.

Both Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines are available from the Young COVID Vaccination Hub and Young District Medical Centre. Vaccinations have also taken place in Boorowa and Harden.

“We’re pleased with the progress of COVID vaccination rollout in the Hilltops. There have been vaccinations available for both 1a and 1b groups, with a good uptake at both clinics,” Ms Field said.

Vaccination is on offer at Boorowa Hospital Medical Centre, Boorowa Medical Centre, MedCIRC eClinics, Boorowa Street Medical Practice and Kruger Medical Centre.

AstraZeneca is the preferred vaccine for those aged 50 and over, with Pfizer the best vaccination for adults under the age of 50.

People aged 40 to 49 years old will soon be able to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination.

“Vaccination will be available for the wider public in the near future. There isn’t a date yet, but we look forward to that,” Ms Field said.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 16 to 40, NDIS participants aged from 16 and carers as well as certain temporary visa holders under 50 will also be able to receive the jab.

Further roll out of Pfizer throughout the Hilltops is limited.

The temperature conditions of the vaccine mean it is only able to be administered in Young at this stage.

Around 7,500 vaccinations have been administered across the MLHD, with Ms Field commenting that 1,700 were given last week.

“We respect that people can exercise their right to refuse [the vaccine]. We encourage people in the 1a and 1b groups to consider it. However, we do respect anyone’s wishes.”

• Topics:

• Covid-19