The dosage capacity of ADF pop-up vaccination clinics in Orange and Bathurst is set to dramatically increase over the coming days, thanks to millions of extra Pfizer doses arriving on Australian shores.
The dramatic increase in available doses is due to the recent vaccine swap negotiated by the Australian Government, which will see an extra 4.5 million Pfizer doses from the U.K and Singapore hit our shores.
On the first day of scheduled ADF pop-up vaccination clinics in Orange and Bathurst, the ADF Vaccination Outreach Teams administered 500 doses of Pfizer at each location.
Federal Member for Calare, and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Andrew Gee, said it was fantastic that many more people will have the opportunity to get a jab this week at an ADF pop-up clinic.
“It’s terrific that plans are now being made to ramp-up the dosage capacity,” said Minister Gee.
“With COVID-19 cases continuing to crop up in the Central West, there’s no time like the present to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community from the virus.
“On Monday, the Orange pop-up clinic reached capacity before it even opened, with people coming out in droves to line up for a jab before the sun came up.
“At Bathurst, the clinic hit capacity by 10am with the day’s supply of Pfizer exhausted within the first opening hour, after hundreds of people rushed to the clinic to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
“The enthusiasm on show to get vaccinated is fantastic, and I’m thrilled Central West locals are taking advantage of the ADF pop-up clinics to shield themselves from the virus.
“A surge in dosage capacity will mean that a significantly greater number of people will be able to get their first dose.
“People 12 to 59 years of age can receive a Pfizer vaccination at any ADF pop-up clinic, and children do not need to be in a priority group to get a jab.”
“People who have already received their first dose can get their second jab at an ADF pop-up clinic, just remember to cancel your existing booking – if you already have one – so someone else can take your spot.
“The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has strongly recommended anyone aged 18 years and above to get any available vaccine, and has given the green light for children 12 years old and up to receive the Pfizer vaccine.
“The faster we all get vaccinated, the sooner we can put lockdowns in the rear-view mirror.
“More than 60% of eligible people in the Central West have received their first dose, with a third already fully vaccinated. These are fantastic numbers, but I’d like to encourage those still on the fence to attend an ADF pop-up, or book an appointment at one of the many clinics, GPs and pharmacies offering the vaccine.
“Across Australia, some 21 million vaccine doses have now been administered, and we are now hitting well over 1 million doses administered every few days,” said Mr Gee.
