Western NSW Local Health District has expanded its COVID-19 vaccination effort by introducing two mobile vaccination vans, which will visit some of the district's smallest communities in the coming weeks.
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The two vans, dubbed Spike and Jabba, will visit about 20 locations across the district this week, offering first and second doses of Pfizer.
Among the small towns on the vans' itinerary are Sofala (Joyce Pearce Memorial Park from 10am-11.30am on Wednesday, October 20) and Hill End (Bill Lyle Reserve, from 1pm-2.30pm on Wednesday, October 20), as well as Ben Chifley Dam on Sunday, October 24.
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WNSWLHD chief executive Scott McLachlan said the addition of Spike and Jabba will further increase access to vaccines, particularly in areas which may not have had dedicated clinics previously.
"From our pop-up clinics and vaccination hubs, to drive-through clinics and the Australian Defence Force's efforts, we've put everything into our vaccination efforts recently and this is another great addition," Mr McLachlan said.
Mr McLachlan said as the state's vaccination rates continue climbing and the further easing of restrictions looms, having the protection of one of the three Therapeutic Goods Administration-approved vaccines is vital.
"As restrictions ease we know there will be more movement around the state which, in turn, presents an increased risk of COVID-19 continuing to spread around our district," he said.
"Vaccination not only drastically reduces the risk of people getting very, very sick, it also minimises the chance of both contracting and transmitting the virus - it is still our best defence.
"So I encourage everyone who hasn't already taken the chance to get vaccinated to do so, and ensure you return for a second dose to make sure you have the full protection of the vaccine.
"But we also all have a role to play in the choices we make and the way we interact with one another, because COVID-19 will not vanish as vaccination rates increase.
"So please, consider what you can do individually to help keep your community safe - that might be wearing a mask even if it isn't mandatory, getting tested regularly or even reconsidering attending a big gathering."
For more information on COVID-19 vaccination visit: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/
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