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The essentials
WHEN: Sunday 12-14 September, 8am - 3:30pm.
WHERE: Civic Ballroom, George Coates Avenue, Tony Luchetti Sportsground.
No appointment needed. AstraZeneca and Pfizer for those who are eligible.
More details
Lithgow's Civic Ballroom at the Showground will be transformed this week as it becomes a three-day walk-in COVID vaccine clinic.
With the support of NSW Health, The Australian Defence Force (ADF), Lithgow Council, Police and volunteers, the hub will be open from September 12-14.
"I can confirm the Civic Ballroom will be transformed this week to enable it to become a three-day walk up COVID-19 vaccination hub, opening this Sunday and continuing on the Monday and Tuesday," Minister for Bathurst Paul Toole said.
"Both AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines will be available, depending on each person's eligibility.
"The clinic will return in about three to four weeks time to deliver the vital second dose.
"This is a walk-up clinic which means there is no need to book ahead. However, remember to come prepared with food and drink, as the queue may be long. And depending on the weather, a hat and sunscreen may also be advisable."
This clinic is also available to residents of Oberon who are requiring to be vaccinated.
Mr Toole said the Delta strain of COVID-19 is incredibly easy to pass on, and can make people - even young, healthy people - very sick.
"In fact, if someone in your household has COVID-19, it's almost certain that everyone in that household will get it," he said.
"Vaccination in substantial numbers is our way through this as a community."
Lithgow residents can still get a vaccine by booking currently at Ochre Medical Centre, Blooms the Chemist or Wallerawang Pharmacy as well as a clinic coming to Bathurst.
"Lithgow City Council and our local Police have been incredibly active in pressing all agencies for a pop-up vaccination hub in Lithgow", said Lithgow City Council's Mayor, Councillor Ray Thompson.
"Both Councillors and staff alike have been advocating daily for this service to be provided to Lithgow residents, and I could not be more pleased that the NSW Police, ADF and the Department of Health have heard our calls and have accepted our request."
"This is a much-deserved win for Lithgow, and a victory for people power," said Nationals MP Andrew Gee.
"Lithgow is the gateway to the Central West. A majority of people coming over the mountains stop at Lithgow to refuel and have a bite to eat.
"This means that Lithgow is in a much more vulnerable position than other communities. It would have been grossly unjust if ADF vaccination clinics had popped-up all over Western NSW, but Lithgow missed out.
"The issue is about protecting the health of local people, but also about equality of access to health services."
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