Residents of the Greater Lithgow region rushed to get their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at the ADF pop-up vaccination clinic in Lithgow.
An ADF Vaccination Outreach Team began administering COVID-19 vaccines on Sunday, 12 September, with 513 people receiving the vaccine on the first day of the clinic.
The following day, 552 people rolled up their sleeves to get the jab.
On the third and final day of the first dose clinic, 566 people walked through the doors to get a COVID-19 vaccine. In total, 1631 got their jab at the Lithgow ADF pop-up clinic.
Federal Member for Calare and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, Andrew Gee, said it was wonderful to see the Lithgow community embrace the opportunity to attend an ADF clinic.
“The people of Lithgow pulled out all the stops to make sure an ADF Vaccination Team landed in Lithgow,” said Minister Gee.
“At first, Lithgow was left off a list of dozens of Western NSW locations chosen to host an ADF pop-up vaccination hub.
“The people of Lithgow persisted in their calls for a pop-up clinic, mounting a campaign to have the ADF assist with the vaccine rollout throughout the gateway of the golden west.
“Just as the people of Lithgow banded together to secure a local ADF-run clinic, they have come out in droves to fight the virus, with 1651 people rolling up their sleeves to receive a jab at the clinic!”
“It was people power that brought the clinic to Lithgow, and this week residents have proved they’re determined to shield themselves, their loved ones, and their community from the Delta strain.
“It’s been exciting to watch residents in Greater Lithgow take the opportunity to get a COVID19 vaccine at an ADF clinic, boosting the region’s protection from the virus. With hundreds of people expected to attend the walk-in clinic on the final day, the city’s vaccination rate is set to skyrocket.
“The clinic will return in about 3 weeks to administer the second dose of the vaccine.
“Across the Lithgow region, there are many clinics, GPs and pharmacies also offering the jab.
“The faster we all get vaccinated, the sooner we can put lockdowns in the rear-view mirror.
“The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has strongly recommended anyone aged 18 years and above to get any available vaccine, and all children aged 12 years old and up can now book to receive the Pfizer vaccine.
“Across Australia, some 23 million vaccine doses have now been administered, and we are now delivering more than 1 million doses into arms every few days,” said Mr Gee.
