Covid NT: New figures show all remote regions are below 80 per cent vaxxed

New figures have revealed all remote regions in the NT have fallen under the 80 per cent vax rates with the inclusion of children over five.

REMOTE vaccination rates have dropped significantly with the inclusion of children over 5.

New data shows all five regions have slipped below 80 per cent double dosed, a figure that the NT government mandated based on modelling in October last year.

The Doherty Institute modelling showed the Territory would need to target an 80 per cent remote vaccination rate for people aged five years and older.

The higher threshold was due to the lower median age and higher rates of complex health needs in remote populations. In some regions, the inclusion of aged 5-11 has accounted for up to 24 per cent of the population, proving the community is at high risk of Covid.

In Barkly the inclusion of children reduced the single dose vaccination rate to 45 per cent. In Central the rate dropped from 81 per cent single dose to 68 per cent, while in the Top End, Big Rivers and East Arnhem they dropped from above 90 double dose to 74, 75 and 79 per cent respectively.

Low vaccination rates in Yuendumu and Yuelamu this week caused Chief Minister Michael Gunner to extend lockouts, however similar responses have not been prompted in several other remote communities that have recorded cases.

AMSANT chief executive John Paterson was exasperated by the situation.

“We had this information. We knew it was the case for our remote communities, yet decisions were made for everyone else and now we are playing catch up with no supplies,” he said.

“The federal government assured us we would be a priority part of the roll out and we would have good supply of the vaccine, but our kids are now in the same position as our old people with no access and the last ones to receive it.”

Despite the vaccination for children rolling out on Jan 10 many remote communities have still not received their supply. Aboriginal health organisations are awaiting supply from the Federal government, while NT Health is responsible for the remaining remote community clinics.

However, the Department of Health said the NT was allocated sufficient Covid-19 vaccinations which were delivered on January 7 but an NT health spokesperson said they were still distributing vaccines to remote health centres.

“It is expected most communities will have the vaccine before next week,” she said.

However, the department would not reveal which communities were still expecting a delivery, saying they were managing a global pandemic and answering these questions was not a “reasonable request at this time”.

Furthermore some remote communities will have to wait for visiting vaccination teams, which the spokesperson said would happen this month.

“Vaccination programs will be run through the community health centres with visiting teams providing support if required and may also include collaboration with the local schools,” she said.

“This month NT Health teams will be vaccinating 5-11 year olds in Pirlingimpi, Milikapiti, Jabiru, Julanimawu, Naiyu (Daly River), Belyuen, Papunya, Mt Liebig, Milyakburra, Angurugu, Alyangula and Umbakumba.”

In December last year, NT Health Minister Natasha Fyles said Aboriginal children would be the government’s first priority.

“Children aged 5 – 11 in our remote communities will be at the front of the queue when it comes to rolling out the vaccine to this demographic, because we know how vulnerable Aboriginal Territorians are in the fight against Covid-19,” said Ms Fyles.

Nearly 10 per cent of Territory kids jabbed in one week

NEARLY 10 per cent of Northern Territory children aged five to 11 years old have already received their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, in an encouraging start to 2022.

Data released by the Health Minister’s office showed 2300 doses of the paediatric vaccine against Covid-19 were administered in the first week of becoming available.

About 3900 kids have been booked in to get the jab at NT Health vaccination centres. There are 24,750 children aged five to 11 in the NT overall.

Children are given special paediatric versions of the Covid-19 vaccine, which are administered in two doses eight weeks apart.

SCROLL DOWN FOR OUR GUIDE TO THE PAEDIATRIC COVID-19 VACCINE

The vaccine drive comes ahead of the return to school later in January, with bookings available from Aboriginal community controlled health organisations, general practitioners and NT government vaccination centres.

A whopping 82 per cent of Territorians aged 12 to 15 have had at least one dose of the vaccine.

Deputy Chief Minister Nicole Manison said the strong numbers were encouraging heading into the school year. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Acting Health Minister Nicole Manison said the vaccines were playing a crucial role in saving lives, particularly as Covid-19 continued to spread across the Territory.

“The vaccine is the best defence we have against Covid-19 and critical to protect yourselves, your family and community,” Ms Manison said.

“It’s encouraging to see Territory kids embracing this opportunity to get vaccinated as the first term of school fast approaches.

“Appointments are widely available and I encourage anyone who is eligible to get the vaccine to get booked in as soon as possible.”

NT Health indicated it would be visiting the communities of Pirlangimpi, Milikapiti, Jabiru, Julanimawu, Nauiyu (Daly River), Belyuen, Papunya, Mt Liebig, Milyakburra, Angurugu, Alyangula and Umbakumba this month.

Fraya Morrison 11 gets her jab. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Among those who rolled up their sleeves last week to get the Covid vaccine was 11-year-old Fraya Morrison, from Tennant Creek.

Fraya got her first dose of the jab at the Marrara vaccine clinic.

She said she got the vaccine because she didn’t want to get sick and miss being able to play her favourite sports of AFL and rugby.

“It’s much safer to get the vaccination, because then there will be no more trouble,” she said. “It keeps other people safer.”

Fraya said she hoped getting the vaccine would help encourage other family members who were hesitant to roll up their sleeves. “(I’m getting the vaccine) so I’m safe, healthy and fit and so I can keep playing sport,” she said.

Our Guide to the Paediatric Covid-19 Vaccination

THE Covid-19 vaccine for children aged 5-11 is here.

The NT News has created your go-to guide to answer your questions about the paediatric Covid-19 vaccine.

What is the Paediatric Covid-19 Vaccination?

Developed by Pfizer the children’s vaccine is a smaller dosage. It is a third the administered amount for people aged 12 years and over. Children will receive 2 doses of the vaccine, 8 weeks apart.

Is the Paediatric vaccination as safe and effective?

According to the Australian government website the Therapeutic Goods Association’s provisional approval was based on a careful evaluation of international data to support its safety and efficacy in child populations. Research shows that the Pfizer vaccine is up to 91 per cent effective in children.

Do I have to book my child in for a vaccination?

From late December bookings were opened on the NT Government website: https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/stay-safe/booking-your-covid-19-vaccine

However some clinics will allow walk-ins, contact your local health provider to check first.

What are the side-effects?

Like the Adult Pfizer jab, your child might experience some common side effects after their vaccination. According to NT Health side effects are normal and a good sign that the vaccine is working.

Common symptoms include: pain or swelling at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, redness or itching at the injection site, nausea, fever and chills, insomnia and feeling unwell.

These side effects are usually mild and go away within one or two days. If they experience pain at the injection site or fever, headaches or body aches after vaccination, you can give them paracetamol or ibuprofen. If there is swelling at the injection site, you can use a cold compress.

What should I look out for after the vaccination?

According to NT Health you should seek medical attention after vaccination if you think they are having an allergic reaction. Call triple-0 if they experience severe symptoms, such as

difficulty breathing, wheezing, a fast heartbeat or collapsing. You are worried about a potential side effect or they have new or unexpected symptoms. They are experiencing severe and ongoing headaches. They have an expected side effect of the vaccine which has not gone away after a few days. For symptoms which are not urgent, you can see your regular healthcare provider.

What if my child is scared and they don’t want to get the vaccination?

It is natural for many children to be scared of needles, and those feelings are really valid. To support your child NT Health has made a fact sheet about how to talk to your kid about their vaccination. 

Originally published as Covid NT: New figures show all remote regions are below 80 per cent vaxxed