The local health authority is prioritising children to get vaccinated ahead of the return to school next week, especially with the return to face-to-face learning by the end of October.
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The drive-through vaccination clinic at Dubbo Showground is being expanded through next week, with additional Pfizer appointments available and a more straightforward booking system.
Anyone eligible for Pfizer - aged 12 to 59 years of age - is able to book, and Western NSW LHD chief executive Scott McLachlan is encouraging parents to take advantage of the opportunity.
"The group we're really keen to get vaccinated is particularly the 12-15 year-old age group, knowing that at the moment there's a lot of spread of COVID between that age group," Mr McLachlan said. "With school going back in coming days and weeks there's going to be a lot of opportunity for further spread in communities so can I ask everyone to please prioritise the kids."
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The clinic will operate at an expanded capacity from Tuesday October 5 through to Saturday October 9. You can book by:
- Text 0400 485 308 or call 1800 684 423 and leave a message.
- Specify the booking is for Dubbo & how many to be vaccinated in the car.
- For each person provide - full name, date of birth & contact number.
- Expect a call back within 2 to 3 days with your appointment time.
Families are also urged to get their children tested before the start of school.
There were 24 cases in the region up to 8pm Tuesday, with 16 in Wellington which remains a priority for health workers.
However, after 8pm there were a " significant number" of other cases detected.
"It looks like around 24 cases just since 8pm and 8am (Wednesday) morning, so I expect to see further case numbers grow in the next 24 and 36 hours," Mr McLachlan said.
He also warned to expect an increase in numbers in communities that haven't seen many cases, including in Narromine. Those numbers will be included in Thursday's announcement.
Meanwhile there is additional accommodation available in Wellington, for those who cannot safely isolate in their homes.
"We do have some accommodation available if people do need to get out of that household, whether it's a person with a confirmed COVID case, or others."
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