Western NSW Local Health District passes 95 per cent for COVID vaccination

The vaccination rate across the western region continues to out-pace the statewide rate which stand at about 93 per cent.

Confirmation of the Western NSW milestone comes as the health district hosts a two-day pop-up vaccination clinic at the Kelso Community Hub on Bonnor Street.

The clinic, on Monday and Tuesday, will administer first, second or booster doses for anyone aged 12 and over, though children aged 12-15 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or nominated carer.

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Western NSW LHD acting chief executive Mark Spittal said the 95 per cent vaccination mark was a significant achievement given the geographical distances and supply challenges faced across the district.

"Our vaccination team has thrown everything into this effort and taken an innovative and flexible approach, often leading the way in NSW to make sure our communities had access to vaccines close to home," Mr Spittal said.

"It has also been a coordinated joint effort involving a huge number of government and community partners so we must thank them all for their dedication.

"The community response has also been wonderful, thank you."

Mr Spittal said the ongoing importance of vaccination and COVID-safe behaviours were highlighted by the prevalence of COVID-19 transmission between children not yet eligible for a vaccine.

"We have seen a lot of transmission occurring between children aged under 12. In the most-recent outbreak, almost 25 per cent of the total confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been kids under 10," Mr Spittal said.

"That is one reason it is so important everyone who is eligible has full protection from vaccination, particularly as we move towards the holiday season, a time of year we all want to spend with loved ones.

"As movement increases around the district so too will the risk of COVID-19 spreading and for many people, loved ones include grandparents or people in more vulnerable areas of our communities."

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