Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) is putting on the perfect weekend for kids aged 12-15 with the district participating in a state-wide push to see even more students vaccinated against COVID-19.
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WNSWLHD will be holding a Vax Van Clinic at Wyangala Dam on Sunday, October 24, from 10.30am to 1.30pm at Reg Hailstone Drive, Wyangala Village.
WNSWLHD Chief Executive, Scott McLachlan, said the van clinic offered an extra avenue for those seeking vaccination outside GPs and pharmacies.
"We know school and work commitments can sometimes make it difficult to find a good time to get kids vaccinated, so we're making these weekend opportunities available to help make this easier for families," he said.
"With the warmer weather now here and restrictions easing across the State there will be more people out enjoying our beautiful rural recreation spots over the weekend. That's why you'll see 'Spike' and 'Jabba', our vax vans at some of those locations.
"You'll be able to grab your shots, especially for those students, and still enjoy time outside with your friends and family. We really hope people take advantage of this service over the weekend.
"I'd also encourage anyone who hasn't yet had their vaccines to take the opportunity now to get vaccinated, before the expected influx of visitors to our communities happens in a few weeks."
Mr McLachlan said that while vaccination rates for those aged over 16 in the Local Health District are quite good, there is still room for improvement in the number of 12-15-year-olds who are still to be vaccinated.
"Since the start of the Delta outbreak in our District we've seen 142 children aged between 12 and 15 years old contract COVID," he said.
"While these children may not become very ill themselves, we have seen significant rates of transmission of the virus to older and more vulnerable members of their household or community, which is obviously a huge concern.
"Around 39 per cent of our local cases have been aged under 19 years old, which goes to show that this virus is not only impacting the elderly and we need to be doing everything we can to protect these young people as well.
"Right now the best way to protect them is by ensuring as many people as possible over the age of 12 are getting their two doses of vaccine, especially now that schools have resumed face to face learning."
More information about COVID-19 vaccination can be found on the WNSWLHD website and social media channels, including details of vaccination opportunities and providers across Western NSW.