Finally, Blacktown City has a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination clinic.
The clinic has been established by NSW Health at the Mount Druitt PCYC, Shalvey.
The walk-in clinic is open to all comers over the age of 18, no appointment necessary and will operate 7 days a week, 8.30am to 3.00pm. A photo ID or Medicare card is all that is needed.
Blacktown City Mayor Tony Bleasdale said; "For months now, I along with local MP's Ed Husic, Michelle Rowland, Prue Car, Edmond Atalla and Stephen Bali, plus many of our community leaders have been calling for a walk-in mass vaccination centre for our City.
"Our residents have shown they're willing to get vaccinated with a first dose vaccination rate of more than 90%.
"But many have been forced to travel long distances or wait months for an appointment. This clinic will add another option for our residents who want to do the right thing.
The Member for Chifley, Ed Husic MP said; "Getting this walk-in clinic is a big win for the community - it wasn't until we spoke with one voice to get the NSW Government to change their mind that they did.
"Now that it's here I'd urge residents, particularly around Shalvey, Lethbridge Park, Willmot and Bidwill to use it when they can. Please get vaccinated."
The Member for Londonderry Prue Car MP said; "This clinic will be a valuable addition to the vaccination options for people in my electorate from suburbs such as Ropes Crossing and North St Marys.
"The clinic at Panthers is by appointment only and can be booked out months ahead. I urge everyone to get vaccinated."
The Member for Mount Druitt Edmond Atalla MP said; "While I welcome the walk-in clinic I'm disappointed that, at this stage, it is only providing AstraZeneca vaccinations.
"People's choice of vaccination is being hurt by Governments' failure to secure sufficient supplies early of the Pfizer vaccine. Hopefully this clinic will eventually provide all COVID-19 vaccinations."
Mayor Bleasdale said there was now no excuse for people not to get vaccinated; "We have more than 90 GPs and Pharmacies, plus Blacktown Hospital, mobile clinics and special clinics catering to a number of our communities, all providing vaccinations by appointment. And now we have the walk-in clinic at Shalvey.
"Our nurses, doctors and medical staff are doing a fantastic job but our hospitals are becoming over stretched. If we want to keep people out of hospital and end the lockdowns we must get that double vaccination rate up to at least 70%."
Photo: (from left) Mayor Tony Bleasdale OAM, Prue Car MP, The Hon Ed Husic MP and Edmond Atalla MP, welcome the walk-in vaccination centre at Mount Druitt PCYC in Shalvey.
