The NSW government has announced changes to the coronavirus vaccine rollout as the state scrambles to combat a rapid spread of the Delta variant that appears to be outrunning contact tracers. NSW reported 112 new local COVID-19 cases on Monday, with at least 34 people have been active in the community while infectious. The outbreak remains concentrated in the southwestern Sydney districts of Fairfield, Canterbury Bankstown, and Liverpool, with essential workers in those areas advised to stay home unless they can prove a negative COVID-19 test. On Monday, the premier said she had been urging the federal authorities for extra vaccines for months, even before the outbreak.
“Even when we had months and months of zero community transmission, I had a sense of urgency,” she said. “Our position has not changed.”
“We have increased our capacity and access, and now all we need are the extra doses, and every time we get the extra doses, we will make sure they get into arms, which is so critical and important.”
But they are forced to prioritize until authorities get enough vaccines for all NSW residents.
On Monday, the premier announced a handful of additional vaccination hubs, new priority vaccination groups, and an extension of AstraZeneca jabs for those over 40. Here’s what you need to know.
Teachers and aged care workers in certain areas to take priority
The NSW government has announced that teachers and senior care workers in the Fairfield, Canterbury Bankstown, and Liverpool areas will be prioritized for vaccines because of the heightened concern over community transmission.
On Friday, a vaccine hub will open at Fairfield Showground to target the two groups, NSW Health announced on Monday.
The premier said there had been instances of essential workers in the areas spreading the virus to those in their community and advised them to stay home unless they could prove a negative COVID-19 test.
NSW residents over 40 to have more comprehensive access to AstraZeneca jabs
People over 40 can now access AstraZeneca jabs at all NSW Health sites and will soon be able to access the thrust at green-lit pharmacies across the state, as Ms. Berejiklian announced on Monday.
Previously they were only able to access the vaccine through a GP.
“You can now start making bookings through NSW mass vaccination hubs if you want the AstraZeneca over 40,” the premier told the media on Monday.
But she urged them to “consider their own risk” given the vaccine’s link to a rare blood clotting disorder.
NSW residents aged 18 to 39 can also get the AstraZeneca jab – in consultation with their GP.
NSW Chief Health Officer Dr. Kerry Chant said the vaccine expansion for those over 40 was due to a dramatic change in the risk for the community.
“The current risk situation has changed dramatically… Because we have COVID and the Delta strain circulating, it means that your risk of acquiring the strain is very much different than it would have been a month ago when your community risk would have been shallow,” she said.
