EIGHTY-FIVE percent of Dubbo residents have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccination, with a call to make sure residents turn up for their second dose arising on Tuesday.
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In the Dubbo Local Government Area 55 per cent of residents have already received their second dose, with Western NSW Local Health District chief executive Scott McLachlan saying the LGA had some "catching up to do".
"It really will be our solution out of some of the lockdown challenges and to keep the community safe. With a much lower rate than the rest of the state on average of second doses, we've got some challenges to catch up.
"We've had the significant benefit of the ADF clinics, the increase to the GPs, the Aboriginal Medical Services, the respiratory clinics and now pharmacies able to vaccinate more people. So the next couple of weeks are going to be crucial for us.
"So again, if you have had your first dose, book in for your second dose. Look for those opportunities."
Around the region the Gilgandra LGA is leading the charge on first doses with 92.9 per cent of residents having received their first jab, followed by Narromine with 90.1 per cent and 90 per cent in Warren.
For second doses there have been 62.9 per cent of residents in Warren who have been double jabbed, followed by 56.9 per cent in Gilgandra and 56.6 per cent in Forbes.
In Bathurst 82.9 per cent have received their first dose and 46.0 have received a second, while in Orange 90.1 per cent have received a first dose, and 51.7 per cent have received a second.
"The challenge is there for us to catch up with the second doses and to get to the 80 per cent double dose within the next month.
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"I'm sure we can do that. It is the opportunity for everyone to protect their community and their loved ones and everyone around you," Mr McLachlan said.
The call to make sure a second dose of the vaccination was received by all eligible residents came the same day as the NSW Government announced new freedoms for children.
'Friends' bubbles were introduced at 12pm on Tuesday, allowing children under the age of 18 to meet up with two other friends, as long as they all live within the same LGA, or within five kilometres of their home.
Adults supervising the three children needed to be fully vaccinated.
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