Dubbo and the surrounding areas have seen the largest increase in first dose vaccinations rates in the state, as the western region hits 80 per cent for a single jab.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Western NSW Local Health District chief Scott McLachlan confirmed the news on Wednesday but said there is still a long way to go.
"Orana and Far West parts of the region have had the biggest increase in first dose rates across the state and I think across the country," he said.
"That's a fantastic outcome there for all the vaccinating which has been happening.
"I really take my hat off to everyone who has been vaccinated in the last week and 10 days."
READ ALSO:
Almost 50 per cent of people in the region have also received their second dose as NSW continues to move towards 70 per cent of it's citizens being fully vaccinated.
"We've still got some way to go with second doses," Mr McLachlan said.
"That's the real priority and focus ... making sure people have a plan for their second dose and not letting it slip.
"If you have to put it in your diary, make a reminder or put it on the fridge or do whatever you need to so it's at the front of your mind.
"The second dose is the most crucial thing to keep people protected."
Should the region continue on it's current vaccine trajectory, Mr McLachlan believes the 70 per cent fully vaccinated numbers could come quite soon.
"At the current rate I'll expect it within the next four or five weeks," he said.
"We've had some success in the Australian Defence Force who have now extended their time in the region until the end of October.
"That's a perfect window of opportunity for us with GP's vaccinating and the pharmacies which will come online in the next week to 10 days with Moderna."
Western NSW LHD recorded six COVID-19 cases to 8pm on Tuesday with two of those in Dubbo.
However, a further two cases were recorded in St Mary's Villa aged care facility, but they will be counted in Thursday's numbers.
It marks the first time the Western NSW LHD has recorded single digit case numbers since August 11 but there is still a way to go in the battle against COVID-19.
"It is pleasing," Mr McLachlan said.
"It sort of feels like the eye of the storm. We don't want to get too complacent about this.
"We know it can come back to bite us very quickly."
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News