As NSW races towards the 95 per cent double dose vaccination rates, the Western NSW has once again set the pace for other regions to follow, reaching a major vaccination target well ahead of the state. 

The latest data from the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) revealed that in the Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD), 95.4 per cent of residents aged over 16 were fully vaccinated as of Sunday 5 December. At the same date, the state figure for double-doses was at 92.8 per cent. 

WNSWLHD Acting Chief Executive Mark Spittal said that reaching the milestone was a testament to the efforts of staff, volunteers and the community across the district. 

“Everyone involved in the vaccination effort across the District so far has shown what can be achieved when regional, rural and remote communities work together against a threat like the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Despite the success across the region, three Local Government Areas in the WNSWLHD threaten the district average, with Cobar (78 per cent), Brewarrina (78.8 per cent) and Walgett (87.8 per cent) lagging behind the 90 per cent mark. 

Meanwhile, the Bogan, Coonamble, Gilgandra, Lachlan, Narromine, and Warren Shires are leading the pack, with each shire having achieved over 95 per cent double dose vaccinations from 5 December. The Warrumbungle Shire is following closely at 92.2 per cent, with Bourke standing at 90.1 per cent. 

The updated figures will be released tomorrow, 14 December, giving another indication on the progress of the local health district and the state figures. 

Mr Spittal said the importance of COVID-safe behaviours and vaccination against the virus has been made clear through the amount of transmission that has been seen through children who aren’t yet eligible for the vaccine. 

“We have seen a lot of transmission occurring between children aged under 12. In the most-recent outbreak, almost 25 per cent of the total confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been kids under 10,” Mr Spittal said. 

With peak holiday season coming fast, contact with family and travel between destinations is cause for behaving responsibly when it comes to hygienic behaviour, including the regular washing and sanitising of hands, wearing masks wherever necessary and checking in at all venues. 

“As movement increases around the District so too will the risk of COVID-19 spreading and for many people, loved ones include grandparents or people in more vulnerable areas of our communities,” Mr Spittal said. 

“It has been a monumental undertaking so far and reaching 95 per cent fully vaccinated is a significant achievement when you consider the geographical distances and supply challenges faced across our footprint,” he said.  

Up to 8pm last night, no cases had appeared in the Western Plains, with the most recent case from the Coonabarabran outbreak being recorded in the Warrumbungle Shire two days ago. 

The WNSWLHD recorded 7 new cases in the health district, located in Orange (four cases), Bathurst (two cases) and Mudgee (one case).