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Blacktown’s rate is second only to its eastern neighbour,the Baulkham Hills and Hawkesbury area,which has an 86.2 per cent coverage and has consistently had one of the highest rates in the country since the start of the rollout.
On Tuesday,Premier Gladys Berejiklian praised the west for their efforts but said,with 74 per cent of the state having received a first dose,there were clearly some areas faring better than others.
“Obviously when these local government areas are in the high 80s,and the state average is 74 per cent,that means some areas are falling behind,” she said.
“We want to make sure we’ve got targeted strategies in those communities. Don’t be left behind when we start opening up. When we open up at 70 per cent double dose,it will be only for those who are vaccinated.”
In recent weeks,local health districts have expanded availability of the Pfizer vaccine in Sydney’s inner and eastern suburbs,expressingconcern about low rates and the potential for virus spread in densely populated areas.
People aged 16 to 59 who live within Sydney Local Health District’s boundaries can book Pfizer appointments alongside those within the areas of concern at locations including RPA Hospital and Sydney Olympic Park.
Just over a week ago,South Eastern Sydney Local Health District urged Randwick residents to book their priority Pfizer jab at the Brighton-Le-Sands clinic at the Novotel Hotel.
National vaccine advisory group ATAGI recommends all adults in Greater Sydney receive either available COVID-19 vaccine,including AstraZeneca,given the region’s ongoing outbreak and constraints on Pfizer supply.
A significant increase has also been seen in vaccination coverage outside of Sydney:almost 75 per cent of eligible residents in the far west and Orana region have received their first dose,up from about a third four weeks ago,as local cases continue to be recorded in Dubbo and surrounding communities.
However,the lowest rates of vaccination across the state remain parts of regional NSW.
Less than 62 per cent of eligible Richmond-Tweed residents have received a first dose,the lowest. Less than 64 per cent of people in the Coffs Harbour-Grafton area have received a shot.
Coverage is also low in some parts of regional NSW closer to Sydney,including the Illawarra (67.2 per cent first dose coverage) and the Hunter region excluding Newcastle (64 per cent first dose coverage).
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