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South West leads in regional vaccination rates, with Manjimup top for first-dose numbers

Jacinta CantatoreSouth Western Times
Bunbury's community COVID-19 vaccination clinic.
Camera IconBunbury's community COVID-19 vaccination clinic. Credit: Ailish Delaney / South Western Times

The South West is again leading the regional vaccination pack, with almost 69 per cent of residents having received their first COVID-19 jab and almost 50 per cent of residents fully vaccinated.

These figures sit above the State average of 67.1 per cent of West Australians having had a first dose and 49.0 per cent fully vaccinated.

Close behind the South West is the Greater Albany region with 68.2 per cent of first doses, while other regions have seen slower uptake — the Wheatbelt sitting at just over 63 per cent of first doses, and the Serpentine and Jarrahdale region at 55 per cent.

Within the South West there are some clear leaders.

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The Shire of Manjimup has the highest first-dose vaccination rate in the region at 71.9 per cent, and second-dose rate at 52.5 per cent.

The cities of Busselton and Bunbury sit at just over 71 per cent and 70 per cent respectively in first doses, with 52.1 per cent and 50 per cent fully vaccinated.

In the Shire of Harvey 66.9 per cent of residents have had a first dose and 48 per cent their second.

Just over 65 per cent of Capel Shire residents have had a first jab, and 46.3 per cent both doses.

Dardanup Shire’s rates are 65.1 per cent of first doses and 47.2 per cent fully vaccinated.

The Shire of Collie sits nearly 20 per cent behind the South West average with only 60.6 per cent of residents rolling up their sleeve for their first dose, and 43 per cent fully vaccinated.

The Shire of Waroona still has the lowest uptake in the region, with 59 per cent having had a first dose and 41.3 per cent both.

Everyone aged 12 years and over is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination.
Camera IconEveryone aged 12 years and over is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination. Credit: methode

A WA Health Department spokesperson said people should talk to their GP or health care provider about getting vaccinated.

“Everyone aged 12 years and over is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination,” the spokesperson said.

“People are encouraged to speak to their local health care provider to find out more.”

South West numbers may also see a renewed boost after the State Government decision to make COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for FIFO and other resources sector workers from December.

There are about 141,000 resources sector workers in WA, with many working fly-in, fly-out from the South West region.

Now 46.2 per cent of Australians are fully vaccinated, behind France (66.3 per cent), the UK (66.9 per cent), and the United Arab Emirates leading the world with 84.2 per cent.

Premier Mark McGowan aims to have 85 per cent of the WA’s population vaccinated before easing travel restrictions.

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