THE Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) is congratulating communities and health staff across the Western Plains for coming out to get the jab as NSW reaches the one year mark since commencing its statewide vaccination program today (Tuesday 22 February).

In the last 12 months, more than 16.6 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in over the past 12 months.

This equates to more than 95 per cent of people aged 16 and having received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 94.3 per cent having received two doses as of Sunday 20 February 2022.

The junior vaccination program is not far behind. Amongst children aged 12 to 15, 83.6 per cent have received a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and 79 per cent have received two doses.

Of children aged 5 to 11, 46.7 per cent have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Meanwhile, the state's booster program, which only began a few months ago, is also picking up momentum with 51.7 per cent of the state's 16 and over population having received a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

NSW Health Deputy Secretary Susan Pearce said the vaccination intake to date was remarkable and paid tribute to all involved in supporting the effort across the state.

“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.

“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."

While the WNSWLHD is yet to celebrate its own one year milestone - having started its regional program in March 2021 - in a statement posted on social media, it said this statewide number was still an amazing feat.

"Thank you to all the hardworking nurses and staff at our vaccination clinics, our dedicated GPs and pharmacies, and the people of NSW who have gone out and got vaccinated," the statement said.

"You have all played an important role in protecting yourself and your community against COVID-19.

"For the next two weekends, you can visit NSW Health clinics for walk-in vaccinations for you and your family - no appointments required!"

Vaccination levels across the Western Plains have been high across the board, with some communities among the first to hit greater than 95 per cent double-vaccinated.

To date, based on data for eligible people aged 15 and older, the Bourke, Bogan, Brewarrina, Coonamble, Gilgandra, Lachlan, Narromine, Warren, Walgett and Warrumbungle LGAs all have a double vaccination rate of over 95 per cent.

Other LGAs are trailing slightly behind but are still over 80 per cent with Brewarrina being above 85 per cent and Cobar at almost 85 per cent.

High vaccination rates have been credited for the area's low hospitalisation rate. Up to 4pm yesterday (Monday 21 February), 11 people were in WNSWLH hospitals, two of which were in ICU.

Meanwhile, there were 113 positive PCR test results and 265 positive Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) results identified in WNSWLHD, including across a range of Western Plains communities.