More Pfizer supplies ramp up local vaccination rates

On Thursday, October 14, the Winanga-Li Aboriginal Child And Family Centre in Narrabri opened its doors to the local indigenous community for a vaccination clinic.

Pfizer doses were available on the day, for anyone seeking their first or second jab, thanks to a collaboration between the centre and NSW Health.

Participants were asked to bring their Medicare card and a form of ID, and wear a mask.

NSW Health’s Angie Knox said she was overjoyed with the local response to vaccine uptake.

“This is the first clinic we’ve held at Winanga-Li, and we’ve seen some good numbers today,” she said.

“Lots of the community are keen to get vaccinated, so we’re pleased to be able to offer this supply of Pfizer.

“We think hosting the clinic here, in a place that’s trusted by the community, has further encouraged even the most hesitant of local people.”

And that ease in vaccine hesitancy was reflected in the final numbers from Thursday, with over 70 per cent of attendees receiving their first dose – a total of 47 vaccines were administered on the day, with 34 of those going into the arms of first timers.

By 10.30am, when nurses started administering vaccines, the team had already signed up a number of keen community members.

“People were here from as early as 9am, getting registered to have the vaccine,” Ms Knox explained.

“And we’ve been pretty busy ever since. It’s great to see this level of local interest. We’re also proud of the vaccination rates among vulnerable communities like our indigenous population – there isn’t a very big gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal locals who have had at least one dose.”

Narrabri Police Inspector Robert Dunn confirmed this, saying the vaccination rates among the two groups is comparable.

“I’m incredibly proud of how well the Narrabri Shire is performing in terms of vaccination numbers,” he said.

“And it’s fantastic to see our indigenous community is rolling up their sleeves to get the jab and make sure they’re protecting themselves and their loved ones.”

NSW Health plans on offering a second vaccine clinic at Winanga-Li, in three weeks’ time, for those who aren’t yet fully vaccinated.

“Those who have just received their first dose with us have been booked in for their second when we run a follow-up clinic on Thursday, November 4,” NSW Health nurse Wendy White explained. “And we’ll also be welcoming more walk-ins on the day, for anyone who hasn’t got a time booked in with us yet.”

It’s believed more people across the state have been encouraged to get the jab since the state has begun to open up to fully vaccinated residents.