More than 83 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Illawarra are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
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The latest Commonwealth Department of Health data shows the Illawarra has hit a fully vaccinated rate of 83.5 per cent among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents who are aged 15 or over, with almost 87 per cent having received at least one dose.
In Wollongong, the fully vaccinated rate is 83.5 per cent, while in Shellharbour it sits at 82.6 per cent.
Kiama leads the way, with 89.5 per cent of Indigenous residents having received two doses.
"There has been a big effort to accelerate vaccination rates in Wollongong LGA as it was identified as an area of concern," Illawarra Aboriginal Medical Service chief executive officer Kane Ellis said.
Dianne Kitcher, the chief executive officer of the South Eastern NSW Primary Health Network Coordinare, said it was a relief to see higher vaccination rates in this part of the state, but 100 per cent was the ultimate target.
"At the beginning of September vaccination figures for First Nations people were of great concern, with only 20 to 23 percent of people having received two vaccine doses," Ms Kitcher said.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
