Most local government areas (LGAs) in south eastern NSW will reach the Government's 80 percent COVID vaccination target soon, if the combined efforts of the health workforce and the community continue.
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This is the view of Coordinare, the South Eastern NSW Primary Health Network.
But the Goulburn Mulwaree trails behind other LGAs in the percentage of both first and second doses administered.
Data released by the Department of Health on August 28 shows the percentage of people aged 15 and over who have received first and second COVID vaccine doses in each LGA.
At least 70 per cent of people aged 15 and older have received their first dose and 40 percent have received their second dose, in Wingecarribee, Kiama, Bega Valley and Eurobodalla LGAs.
Goulburn Mulwaree and Queanbeyan-Palerang LGAs have lower vaccination rates compared to other parts of the south eastern NSW region to date. (See bottom of story for the full list.)
Sophie Ashton, practice manager and owner of the Goulburn Health Hub, says the data backs up her comments last month about 'vaccine shopping', saying they are a result of both hesitancy around the AstraZeneca vaccine, and a lack of the Pfizer vaccine in the area.
"In Goulburn, there's a lot of concern about AstraZeneca, while the availability for Pfizer isn't good - we don't have a lot here," she said.
She said the hub has about 1000 people on a waiting list for Pfizer.
"A while ago it was indicated to us that we'd get it at end of July, but that's been moved back to the end of September, starting at 60 doses a week, which isn't much," said Ms Ashton
"By the third week we get 150 per week.
"But if we were given 400 per week, we could get through that."
She also pointed out that Goulburn's younger population, compared to the Wingecarribee and some parts of the coast, meant that more residents were originally forced to wait for the Pfizer.
"For some months the TGA recommendation was that for this age group, they should get Pfizer, and it's hard to get out of your head," she said.
"But we are now realising the risks involved with AstraZeneca are small, compared to risks in being exposed to COVID."
She urged everyone to consider taking the AstraZeneca vaccine, for which the hub has a walk-in policy.
Pfizer is currently available at the Goulburn Medical Clinic, with a two week wait for appointments.
Senior doctor Dr Rod McConnell said he had noticed a change since case numbers rose in NSW and lockdowns began in the regions, with more and younger people happy to recieve the AstraZeneca vaccine.
"I've absolutely seen a chage - some who were initially hesitant are now happy to step up for it," he said.
"Unfortunately, some people are not happy to have anything - I talk to them and try to explain things till I'm blue in the face and unfortunately they just don't get it."
He warned residents against complacency, saying it is "sheer luck" that Goulburn hasn't had a big outbreak yet.
It is sheer luck that Goulburn hasn't had a big outbreak yet...
- Dr Rod McConnell
"Truck drivers are here all the time making deliveries to supermarket and such - it's only a matter of time til one of those brings COVID to town and it could very easily get loose here," he said.
"COVID is a very serious disease, with a high risk of needing hospital admission and death, and anyone who tries to convince themselves otherwise has got their head in the sand."
He added that women who are pregnant and can only get Pfizer are a priority.
"They're the one group who does not have a choice, so they will get to the top of the queue," he said
The only other place with Pfizer vaccines in Goulburn is Marima Medical Clinic, which is no longer taking bookings for it.
A message on their website states: "We are currently booked out for Pfizer vaccination appointments until October, we are not currently taking anymore bookings at the moment. Please contact us again at the end of September/start of October for further bookings."
Coordinare CEO, Dianne Kitcher said they were expecting more vaccine doses in the regions in the near future.
"We are anticipating increased supply of vaccines very soon, which should help more people to get an appointment as soon as possible," Ms Kitcher said.
"Please continue to use the Department of Health's eligibility checker as that is the best way to be alerted of new appointments, eligibility and increased vaccine supply."
LGA Name; Dose 1, % coverage of 15+; Dose 2, % coverage of 15+
Bega Valley, 70.2%, 41.2%
Eurobodalla, 72.2%, 40.7%
Goulburn Mulwaree, 57.2%, 30.4%
Kiama, 71.8%, 44.3%
Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional, 57.5%, 32.9%
Shellharbour, 60.8%, 33.3%
Shoalhaven, 66.0%, 39.9%
Snowy Monaro Regional, 60.7%, 32.8%
Wingecarribee, 71.2%, 44.4%
Wollongong, 59.7%, 36.3%
Yass Valley, 62.3%, 35.3%
View the COVID-19 vaccination geographic vaccination rates by LGA report here.
