Vaccination rates in Central Australia and Barkly region ‘remain a concern’

Despite additional efforts from the Territory and federal governments and health service providers, Covid-19 vaccination rates in some remote communities remain low.

DESPITE additional efforts from the Territory and federal governments and health service providers, Covid-19 vaccination rates in remote communities in Central Australia and the Barkly region remain low.

Among communities serviced by NT Health, Territory data shows a measly 19 per cent of Barkly residents over the age of 16 have received their first jab and just 13 per cent have had both inoculations. In the two weeks ending September 22, just seven doses were administered by NT Health in the region, which has an eligible population of more than 1400 people.

In remote Central Australian communities, NT Health has administered a first dose to 37 per cent of eligible residents, and one quarter of those have received doses one and two.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner announced earlier this month that the he intends to roll back border restrictions and move away from snap lockdowns once the Territory hit a double dose vaccination rate of 80 per cent, which he expected to occur in early November.

The ABC has reported that, at the current rate, the Territory will not hit that target until late January.

The chief minister, the chief health officer, the heath minister, and the police commissioner all spent time in remote Central Australia in recent weeks in the hopes of learning more about the causes of hesitancy, and to help promote the message that it is critical that remote Territorians get the jab.

The chief minister, the chief health officer, the heath minister, and the police commissioner all spent time in remote Central Australia in recent weeks.

The Central Australian Aboriginal Congress (CAAC) announced late last month announced it would begin a six-week Covid vaccination blitz by ramping up its efforts to get more of its Aboriginal clients vaccinated.

Two weeks later, federal Health Minister Greg Hunt announced three locations in the NT, including the Barkly region, would receive additional supports to boost uptake among Indigenous Australians.

NT Health Minister Natasha Fyles said there had been “pleasing uptake” levels in many communities, and there were signs of improvement.

“We acknowledge the unique challenges the Territory faces in administering the vaccine to those living in remote areas,” she said.

“Parts of Central Australia and the Barkly remain a concern but we are seeing progress as we work through hesitancy issues in partnership with Aboriginal medical organisations, land councils, health workers and Traditional Owners.

“NT Health have actively engaged with Territorians to encourage uptake of the vaccine including with all Aboriginal communities where it is the primary healthcare provider to deliver tailored education programs and community information sessions.”