Kimberley vaccine rates close in on 80 per cent double dosed after nearly two per cent jump

The Kimberley’s vaccination rates continue to climb towards 80 per cent double dosed with the region reporting a close to two per cent jump in seven days. As of February 7, 75.7 per cent of Kimberley residents aged 16 and above had received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine while 83.4 per cent had received one jab. This was a 1.9 per cent jump in double dose rates compared to the previous week. Meanwhile as of February 11 the rest of the state sits at 94.2 per cent of its population over the age of 12 having two jabs and 49.1 per cent having received their third dose. The Kimberley is one of the least vaccinated regions in WA with just the East Pilbara and West Pilbara sitting further behind on 60.3 per cent and 57.9 per cent respectively. The Gascoyne and Goldfields are the only other regions currently sitting below 85 per cent. Earlier this month the Kimberley Echo reported local communities are likely to face booze bans more frequently when COVID-19 reaches the region as part of a WA Country Health Service strategy to ease pressure on understaffed hospitals dealing with the virus. WACHS confirmed it would make requests for temporary restrictions on takeaway alcohol to reduce preventable admissions and help staff manage COVID-19 outbreaks.