News

Residents of Western NSW are being encouraged to take advantage of the local availability of COVID-19 Vaccinations for children and adults.

Vaccination services are currently reporting greater supply than demand, as numerous appointments go unbooked.

Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) is urging those who are now eligible for their COVID-19 Booster Shot, or those that are still yet to be vaccinated, to make their appointment as soon as possible. WNSW PHN is also encouraging local parents to have their child vaccinated now.

WNSW PHN CEO, Andrew Coe, says complacency regarding COVID puts the region at risk.

“People across the region have done such an amazing job of protecting themselves and the wider community by adhering to the numerous evolving public safety regulations and recommendations during the past two years, but it’s vitally important that we continue this effort,” said Mr Coe.

“Our children are now experiencing another new way of being COVID-Safe as they’ve commenced the new school year, and we urge parents and guardians to make COVID Vaccination part of that plan as soon as they can.”

Mr Coe added, “It’s also crucial that everyone aged 18 and over gets their booster shot as soon as they become eligible to help ensure that our region stays on the strongest path possible as part of our continuing response to the pandemic.”

Studies show that the immunity created by COVID-19 vaccines begins to wane over time, while a booster dose strengthens the immune system and helps to maintain a high level of protection against serious illness from the COVID-19 virus.

Eligibility for booster vaccination includes most people aged 16 years and over who received their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at least 3 months ago.

People who are severely immunocompromised due to certain treatments or conditions are recommended to have a third dose 2 - 6 months after the second dose to achieve a high level of protection against COVID-19. A booster (fourth) dose is then recommended 3 months after the third primary dose.

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for all children aged 5 to 11 years.

Only the paediatric formulation of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is registered for use in children aged 5 to 11 years. Booster doses are not recommended for people aged under 18 years of age and there are currently no registered COVID-19 vaccines for use as a booster in this age group.

COVID-19 Vaccination bookings can be made online at any available location, including General Practices, GP-led Respiratory Clinics, Aboriginal Medical Services, and Community Pharmacies, by visiting https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/booking.