‘Don’t hold off’: Gladys Berejiklian’s vaccine warning for young people in Sydney’s west, southwest

The NSW Premier has issued an urgent plea to young people in Sydney’s hot spot areas as the state grapples with the ongoing Covid-19 crisis.

Young people in Sydney’s west and southwest have been urged to roll up their sleeves and get the Covid-19 jab as infection rates soar in the area.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian urged them not to “hold off” and come forward and get vaccinated now.

About 500,000 Pfizer vaccines have been set aside for 16 to 39-year-olds in hotspot local government areas as the state ramps up efforts to stop the spread.

Speaking to 2GB, the premier said she hoped NSW would meet the 70 per cent target ahead of time and those without the jab may be turned away from businesses and venues.

“I am saying to people in a kind, nice, way that there will be a lot of private organisations and companies that won’t accept people at their venues or won’t accept people using their service unless they’re vaccinated,” Ms Berejiklian said.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has urged young people in hot spots not to delay getting the vaccine. Picture: Bianca De Marchi / NCA NewsWire

She said people who booked today were likely to get a slot within the next 24 hours and urged them not to delay.

“Don’t hold off, get your hands on any vaccine you can. Keep yourself (and) your loved ones safe. It’s also doing a community service by helping stop the spread and keeping people out of hospital,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“The quicker we are vaccinated, the quicker we will get to the next target.”

The state achieved a vaccine milestone this week. More than six million jabs had been administered, with about 60 per cent of the eligible population having received their first dose.

“And around 30 per cent of the population (are) double dosed,” the premier said on Tuesday.

Sydney’s west and southwest remain areas of concern. Picture: Flavio Brancaleone / NCA NewsWire

“It is an amazing milestone. I’m deeply grateful.”

The breakthrough means vaccinated residents will be given at least one additional freedom from September, the government has promised, with the premier confirming she would make an announcement about this later in the week.

“Imagine if we got to the 70 per cent target a few weeks ahead of schedule. That would be amazing (because) it would mean we’d have more freedom,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“Life starts feeling normal again and that’s what we’re all hanging onto.”

The 753 new cases announced on Tuesday was a drop on Monday’s numbers, and comes as Greater Sydney endures its ninth week of lockdown.