Local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents are keeping their mob safe by rolling up their sleeves to get vaccinated.
According to the Local Health District, 85 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait lslander people in South Western Sydney had received their first dose of the vaccine and 80 per cent were fully vaccinated.
“This is a wonderful result and I thank our indigenous community for coming forward for vaccination to help protect themselves and their loved ones,’’ says Amanda Larkin, the chief executive of the Local Health District
“Vaccination is the best protection we can offer against Covid-19 and I would encourage everyone to get vaccinated if they haven’t already.
“Please come and get your second dose or booster injection so you receive the best possible protection.’’
The Health District has a specialised team delivering Pfizer vaccination to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the region.
Made up of nurses, Aboriginal Health workers and support staff, the team operates several pop-up clinics at convenient locations for Aboriginal residents.
The District also supports the vaccination efforts of Tharawal Aboriginal medical service, Gandangara health service and KARI.
District Aboriginal health director Nate Jones said outreach clinics provided a culturally safe space where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can bring their families and access the vaccine from trusted clinicians.
“It’s been great so many members of the community are attending their Aboriginal medical services and the District’s outreach clinics to receive the protection of vaccination,’’ Mr Jones said.
“People can also walk into any of our other clinics at any time which suits them.’’
Mr Jones encouraged Aboriginal people to get tested if they had even the mildest of symptoms and to maintain social distancing and handwashing to help stay safe.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from the South Western Sydney region can register their interest for the Aboriginal health clinics on 8738 6992. More vaccination options are available at www.swslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/covid19/
