NSW Health is holding a state-wide COVID-19 vaccination blitz this weekend (18 – 19 September 2021) to increase vaccinations among Aboriginal people.
Local health districts across NSW will have Aboriginal staff at 18 vaccination sites to provide a culturally safe place for Aboriginal people to get vaccinated.
It’s been very pleasing to see services working together to rollout vaccinations, especially during the challenges of the current outbreaks”, said Ms Geri Wilson-Matenga, Executive Director Centre for Aboriginal Health.
“Working with our Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Sector is critical in enabling access to culturally safe vaccination options. These services have always provided the holistic wrap around care that is so important at this time”.
The NSW Government is supporting Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services to manage vaccinations for Aboriginal people, providing $4 million to support Aboriginal vaccination outreach.
“Aboriginal people aged 12 years and over can access a COVID-19 vaccine. You can talk to your GP, Aboriginal Medical Service, Aboriginal Health Workers or any vaccination hubs about getting your vaccination,” said Ms Wilson-Matenga.
“COVID-19 vaccinations are safe, and will protect your and your parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles, sisters and brothers from the virus. If you are vaccinated you are less likely to catch COVID-19, and less likely to pass the virus on if you do. You are also less likely to get really unwell and need to go to hospital”, she added.
“We are striving to have the best vaccination rates in the world including for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in this state,” said NSW Health Deputy Secretary, Ms Susan Pearce, who encouraged Aboriginal people to come forward this weekend and take advantage of the additional clinics.
The Australian Government is responsible for the vaccination rollout to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, as set out in its priority groups. NSW Health is supporting the Australian Government and works in collaboration with local communities to provide access to a vaccine.
People can book their vaccine through the NSW Government website or visit one of the 200 mobile and outreach locations operate across the state, including walk-in and pop-up vaccination centres in areas of concern.
A full list of clinics participating in the Aboriginal vaccination blitz weekend is available here Priority vaccination weekend for Aboriginal people | NSW Government