We have time to get COVID-19 vaccine rollout right: NT Health Minister

NT Health Minister Natasha Fyles has said the Territory has time to get the COVID-19 vaccine rollout right as a growing chorus of state leaders criticises the Federal Government’s handling of the scheme.

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NT HEALTH Minister Natasha Fyles has said the Territory has time to get the COVID-19 vaccine rollout right as a growing chorus of state leaders criticises the Federal Government’s handling of the scheme.

NT Health Minister Natasha Fyles has said the Territory has time to get the COVID-19 vaccine rollout right. Picture: Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP

Vaccination rates are lagging at less than 25 per cent of where they were predicted to be, leading premiers and health ministers in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria to criticise the Morrison Government for the delays.

Asked on Thursday whether she had spoken to her federal counterpart about supply of the vaccine, Ms Fyles said she wasn’t concerned.

“It will take time, we don’t have community transmission,” she said.

“We can do this correctly, we can make sure the community is informed and are making informed decisions.”

“I can assure Territorians that every vaccine is being utilised coming into the Territory.”

“We’ve got a strong plan, those plans are already playing out where we visit community, we explain what the vaccination is,” she said.

Ms Fyles insisted on Thursday the Territory wasn’t stockpiling the COVID jab and had administered around 10,000 to date.

“We’re using the vaccinations we’re using,” she said.

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“We have vaccinated pretty much everyone in Phase 1A.”