'Wonderful result': Aboriginal vaccination milestone reached

Ms Larkin said 85 per cent of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait lslander people had now received their first dose of the vaccine and 80 per cent of residents were fully vaccinated.

"This is a wonderful result,'' Ms Larkin said.

"Vaccination is the best protection we can offer against COVID-19 and I would encourage everyone to get vaccinated if they haven't already.

"Please come and get your second dose or booster injection so you receive the best possible protection.''

The District, which supports the vaccination efforts of Tharawal Aboriginal Medical Service, Gandangara Health Service and KARI, has a specialised team delivering Pfizer vaccination to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the region. The team is made up of nurses, Aboriginal Health workers and support staff and operates several pop-up clinics at convenient locations for Aboriginal communities.

District Director of Aboriginal Health Nate Jones said outreach clinics provided a culturally safe space where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can access the vaccine from trusted clinicians.

"It's been great so many members of the community are attending their Aboriginal Medical Services and the District's outreach clinics to receive the protection of vaccination,'' said Mr Jones, who encouraged Aboriginal people to get tested if they had even the mildest of symptoms and to maintain social distancing and handwashing to help stay safe.

"People can also walk into any of our other clinics at any time which suits them.''