NT reaches Covid-19 jab milestone with more than 40 per cent fully vaccinated

The NT has reached a major Covid-19 vaccine milestone as administered jabs soars close to close to 200,000.

• JABS FOR NT KIDS: Vaccine rollout expanded

THE Northern Territory continues to be a nation leader in Covid-19 vaccinations with 60 per cent of those eligible now having had their first dose of the vaccine — just six months into the rollout.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner is buoyed by the fact that more than 40 per cent of Territorians are fully vaccinated.

“Out remote we are at 46 per cent first dose and 29 per cent second dose … we need those numbers to go up,” Mr Gunner said.

He said he is working closely with the Federal Government to get the remote numbers higher.

Darwin residents line up for their Covid jab at the Italian club in Darwin on Monday. Picture Gary Shipway

Health Minister Natasha Fyles last week’s Covid-19 lockdown for Greater Darwin and Katherine prompted a massive increase in vaccine appointments, with more than 5000 bookings made and over 6,000 doses administered by NT Health clinics.

“In one day alone we had more than 3000 vaccinations in the Northern Territory,” she said.

“There were more than 7,800 jabs administered between Monday and Wednesday last week – including a new daily record with 3,196 vaccine doses administered on Wednesday.

“This week we will be focused on getting as many Territorians as possible. There is vaccine available and there are appointments available.

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“We will be vaccinating remote communities including Elliott, Minjilang, Papunya, and Wadeye.”

The Territory Government has expanded the vaccine rollout to eligible Territorians between the ages of 12 and 15.

All Territorians aged 12 or above who live outside Greater Darwin are eligible for the vaccine.

In Greater Darwin, children aged 12-15 are currently eligible for the vaccine if they have a medical condition that increases the risk of severe COVID-19 infection or if they are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders.

For more information, and to book your COVID-19 vaccination, please visit: coronavirus.nt.gov.au/stay-safe/COVID-19-vaccination