Tranches collapsed in Darwin as Covid-19 vaccines opened up to everyone in NT over 16
The NT has become the first state or territory to offer vaccines to everyone over the age of 16, as the Chief Minister announces a major reshuffle of the Territory’s vaccination drive.
Northern Territory
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CHIEF Minister Michael Gunner has revealed anyone aged 16 and over will be able book for their Covid-19 jab from Tuesday.
Mr Gunner told Katie Woolf on Mix 104.9 on Monday tranches of the rollout would be collapsed in Darwin, Palmerston and surrounds, meaning an extra 60,000 people would become eligible from tomorrow.
That would bring the capital into line with the rest of the Territory, where anyone aged 16 or over can get their Covid-19 vaccination.
It would also make Darwin the first Australian capital city where the Covid-19 vaccine is freely available to all ages 16 and older.
Mr Gunner said it was each Territorian’s duty to get the vaccine and help protect others.
“The vaccine is now available to at 60,000 extra Territorians,” he said.
“In anticipation that younger people down will be eager to get the jab, we will bring on a high volume clinic within the coming weeks.”
The Chief Minister had in recent weeks been pushing the federal government to allow the rollout in the Northern Territory to be opened up to all ages.
Mr Gunner recently spoke to Prime Minister Scott Morrison personally on the issue, arguing the Victorian lockdown had triggered fresh urgency in the public to get the jab.
He also cited the Territory’s vulnerable Aboriginal communities needing herd immunity as a major factor in pushing forward with opening up the rollout.
Australia’s vaccination drive has been criticised for its sluggishness in recent months, with aged care homes and workers still not fully protected and a lack of supply frustrating state and territory health officials.
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