Today marks the one-year anniversary of NSW's COVID-19 vaccination program with more than 16.6 million doses delivered to the people of NSW during the past 12 months.
One year ago today, NSW Health opened vaccination hubs at Liverpool, Royal Prince Alfred and Westmead hospitals, the beginning of an extensive network of clinics that has gone on to administer about 4.9 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines.
This effort has supported the Federal Government's vaccination rollout through the state's GP network and pharmacies, who have delivered more than 11.7 million jabs during the same period.
The NSW Government has committed more than $4 billion to the NSW health system to manage the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic since March 2020.
NSW Health Deputy Secretary Susan Pearce said it was remarkable and very encouraging to see such a high vaccination uptake across the broader community.
"The response from the NSW public has been fantastic from day one and I would like to thank every single person who has gone out and got vaccinated – in doing so you have made a huge difference not only for your own health and the health of your loved ones, but the entire community," Ms Pearce said.
Ms Pearce also paid tribute to all those who have worked so hard to ensure such high vaccination coverage in NSW, which is among the best in the world.
"This has been an incredibly successful collaboration and I would like to acknowledge and thank every single nurse and member of staff who have worked so hard at our vaccination clinics during the past year, along with our dedicated GPs and pharmacies," Ms Pearce said.
Ms Pearce said as we mark this major milestone, it is crucial we maintain the momentum by ensuring we get our all-important booster shots as soon as possible, and first or second doses for children and young people.
"For the next two weekends, people can simply show up to a NSW Health clinic for walk-in vaccinations for the whole family, no appointments required. Please take advantage of this to keep yourself, your loved ones and your community safe."
Bookings for COVID-19 vaccines at NSW Health clinics, GPs and pharmacies can be made through the Vaccine Clinic Finder