Those who are fully vaccinated could soon be seeking out their third jab, after the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine for use as a booster dose for individuals 18 years and older. 

The booster dose can be administered six months after the second dose of a Covid-19 vaccination. It will also be made available to severely immunocompromised people aged 12 years and over, at least 28 days after the second dose. 

According to the Minister for Health Greg Hunt, medical professionals say the booster will provide “additional protection and peace of mind for Australians”.

While the state has reached beyond 80 per cent double vaccinations for the population, a renewed push for vaccinations follows data revealed by NSW Health. According to hospitalisations numbers between August and October, unvaccinated people are 24 times more likely to be admitted to hospital with COVID-19 than people who are fully vaccinated.

Zero Covid-19 patients admitted to hospitals across the WNSWLHD in the past 24 hours are a positive reflection of vaccine take-up as the health district lead the state vaccination effort, but health authorities continue to urge locals to seek out vaccination opportunities. 

Up to 8pm last night, there were 6 new cases of Covid-19 across the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD). While one was in Walgett, four were in Bathurst and one n Oberon. 

The presence of Covid-19 cases in Walgett are low but still of concern, as the Western Plain town records yet another positive case. The single case is the second in two days for Walgett, which has recorded five cases this week.   

The cases take the WNSWLH to a total of 1615 confirmed cases across the district, with 52 new cases accumulated in the last seven days.