The persistently high COVID-19 cases in South Western Sydney is a critical concern. South Western Sydney continues to have some of the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the country with well over 2000 new diagnoses in the past week. Deaths will continue, especially in older people who are not vaccinated. Sydney South West GP Link Ltd. (the amalgamated Bankstown, Camden, Campbelltown, Fairfield and Liverpool Divisions of General Practice) calls on the NSW and Australian Governments to support the option to use Comirnaty™ (the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine) in people aged 60 years and older who refuse other options.
GP teams have made a major contribution in protecting the community; over half of all COVID-19 vaccines have been delivered in general practice settings. Over 80% of eligible residents in South Western Sydney have received at least one dose. However, the result of pervasive misinformation means that some older people will not consent to vaccination with Vaxzevria™.
Currently we are one of the few states/territories not to already have the option of using mRNA vaccines for the over 60s. The Prime Minister has stated there will be enough mRNA vaccines for every Australian with substantially improved supply starting in September.
Although we agree and support the use of Vaxzevria™ as the COVID-19 vaccine of choice in people aged 60 years and older, we believe that it is now time that older people can have access to any safe COVID-19 vaccine that is registered for use in Australia. This will be required to maximise the vaccination rate in South Western Sydney.
Sydney South West GP Link Ltd. 