All Canberrans over the age of 16 can now book an appointment for a Pfizer vaccination, as the ACT continues its push to become the first jurisdiction to reach an 80 per cent double dose vaccination rate in adults.
From today, 16–29-year-olds – the ACT's largest cohort — who have registered their interest to be vaccinated, will be prompted via text message to book into one of the territory's government-run vaccination hubs.
The ACT government has flagged its intention to reach a 95 per cent vaccination rate by Christmas.
But people booking vaccinations have been warned of lengthy wait times for their appointments, while the ACT's Pfizer supply did not yet match demand.
Vaccination targets hinge on young cohort
More than 64 per cent of Canberrans aged over 16 have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
The ACT government estimates there are about 85,000 people that fall within the now eligible 16-29-year-old demographic – and 25,000 of those have already been vaccinated.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr said this cohort's uptake of the vaccine was crucial if the territory was to remain on track to hit its vaccination targets by the end of this year.
'"We are continuing to be a national leader in this race, and this puts the ACT in the best position possible as the nation reopens later in the year."
Mr Barr had previously flagged his intention to push the territory's vaccination rate closer to 95 per cent by the time other jurisdictions reach the federal government's 80 per cent vaccination target.
"My hope is that by the time the nation reaches 80 per cent, the ACT will be 90 – or hopefully even 95," Mr Barr said this week.
"Until our community is vaccinated, we cannot return to normal."
Data also showed Canberrans within the 16-29-year-old demographic were most affected by the ACT's current outbreak when it began.
Although that had now changed, as the disease seeped into households and workplaces, affecting a broader cross-section of Canberrans.
Pfizer supply unlikely to match demand
On Friday, the ACT government will move its Garran vaccination hub to the AIS Arena in a bid to boost vaccination capacity amid an expected surge in Pfizer appointments from today.
Health authorities estimated the new hub would eventually be able to deliver 24,000 Pfizer doses per week, but Mr Barr said that capacity was currently hampered by the ACT's Pfizer supply.
Although the federal government recently secured additional Pfizer doses from Poland and Singapore, Mr Barr said a lack of supply earlier in the year had put states and territories on the back foot.
"No one is doing this for fun. No one wants to be in this position, but what we need to do in the next three months is buy the time that the unvaccinated need to get vaccinated."
Last Friday, children aged 12 to 15 were added to Australia's COVID-19 vaccine rollout, after the federal government's expert vaccine panel ATAGI recommended they be given the Pfizer shot.
Health minister urges patience when booking
ACT Health Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith has urged patience among Canberrans booking an appointment from today.
"I'm confident that we will see the same level of enthusiasm from 16 to 29-year-olds as we've seen from Canberra's older age groups," Mr Stephen-Smith said.
"The fastest and easiest way to book is online through the MyDHR portal, but if you need to book by phone the call back option will save waiting in the phone queue.
"Vaccination appointments for 16-29 year olds may still be some time away, with the next booking at ACT government clinics not available until late October. We will be rescheduling appointments to earlier dates if supply from the Commonwealth allows."
Mr Barr said for those not wanting to wait, AstraZeneca doses were available in abundance.
"If [16-29-year-olds] want to jump that queue – the AstraZeneca vaccine is already available, and you can walk in today and get vaccinated through a GP or pharmacist," he said.
