Despite being one of the Local Government Areas (LGAs) hit hardest by COVID, Cumberland is reported to have one of the lowest booster rates in Sydney.
NSW Health is urging those eligible to receive a booster dose to book in without delay, after data up to January 23 revealed that the Cumberland and Liverpool LGAs have the lowest booster rates for their eligible population in Sydney, with only 25 to 29 per cent triple vaccinated.
Surrounding areas, such as Blacktown, Fairfield and Canterbury-Bankstown, have slightly higher rates, with 30 to 34 per cent having now received their third dose.
It comes as the NSW Government releases a new advertising campaign across print, radio and television to help increase booster rates.
Meantime, Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) is working closely with Cumberland City Council in attempt to target local residents with the vaccination message.
“Western Sydney Local Health District has been proactively reaching across our four Local Government Areas to provide COVID-19 vaccination through in-centre and targeted outreach programs,” a spokesperson from WSLHD said.
“More than 95 per cent of Cumberland LGA residents aged 15 and over have received at least one dose of vaccination, and 93.9 per cent have received two doses. WSLHD is currently partnering with Cumberland City Council to provide vaccination at The Granville Centre from 8am-6pm seven days a week for anyone aged five years old and over.”
WSLHD said that the clinic has provided 13,357 vaccinations, including 7,973 booster doses in the “heart of Cumberland LGA,” since opening on November 8.
“Our outreach teams continue to work with community and faith-based organisations, providing vaccinations and booster doses to vulnerable and at-risk people in the Cumberland LGA,” the WSLHD spokesperson said.
“As part of this targeted outreach program, we have also partnered with Cumberland City Council to provide easy access to vaccination at community venues.
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said booster shots are key for the state to open up safely.
“Boosters work. Boosters keep you and your family safe. If it has been three months since your second dose of vaccination, please go and get boosted,” he said.
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.