Whether you are in Campsie, Cooma, Coonabarabran or Coogee – it’s time for all of NSW to lock down
August 14, 2021
NSW must keep lockdown measures in place: AMA (NSW)
August 25, 2021AMA (NSW) is calling on the Commonwealth Government to urgently improve their vaccination communication campaign and provide clear advice to Australians about vaccination.
Every time there is a new vaccination announcement from the Commonwealth, GPs see appointments cancelled. GPs, including those in areas hardest hit with COVID, are concerned by declining numbers and increased hesitancy.
The AMA is urging NSW residents not to wait to book their COVID vaccination.
“Every day you wait to book your vaccine appointment, is another day that you risk becoming severely ill or worse from COVID-19,” said AMA (NSW) President, Dr Danielle McMullen.
“We have made incredible progress in getting people vaccinated in a very short period of time, but we are not out of the woods yet.
“Case numbers are rising every single day and waiting even a few weeks to book in for a different COVID vaccine is too long.
“Vaccines are not like iPhones. We shouldn’t be encouraging people to wait for the next version. The health risks are too great, especially if you are living in a local government area of concern.
Mt Druitt general practitioner and immediate past-president of AMA (NSW), Dr Kean-Seng Lim said he is concerned announcements of more vaccines to come will dissuade residents in his LGA from getting vaccinated earlier.
“The Delta virus is highly contagious and case numbers in our area have been very concerning. The situation is far too serious, and I have grave concerns for residents in Western Sydney. One dose of AstraZeneca provides 71% protection against severe disease and death,” Dr Lim said.
General practitioner, Dr Jaspreet Saini, said his West Pennant Hills practice has been fully booked until recently, but already announcements of new vaccines to come have made an impact.
“The best vaccine for you is the one you can get today. I encourage patients to book a consultation and discuss the vaccine with their GP as soon as possible. We are ready and waiting for you to walk in the door. The decision you make today, could be the decision that saves your life and protects the people you love most,” Dr Saini said.
AMA President, Dr Danielle McMullen also reminds NSW residents that, “The sooner you get vaccinated, the sooner we can reduce restrictions, businesses can open back up, schools can re-open, and we can get back to living our normal lives.”
Media contact: Andrea Cornish – 0419 402 955