The region's health boss has given an update on when he believes Western NSW is in line to hit some major vaccination milestones.
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Speaking on Thursday, Western NSW Local Health District chief executive, Scott McLachlan, said the rate at which the double vaccinated figures are increasing is at about two per cent per day.
"There's some pleasing increases there and in coming weeks we'll see the 80 per cent hit around early to middle of next week," he said.
"I'd love to see us get to 90 per cent double dose by end of October. I think that's possible. It will need everyone following up on those second dose appointments."
The figures Mr McLachlan referred to and the ones used by the government in its roadmap refer to people aged 16 and over. However, they aren't the only ones eligible to get a vaccine.
Those in the 12-15 range can also get jabbed, with more 50 per cent of those in the region already having taken up the offer.
"It's been great to see so many 12-15 year old kids and teenagers getting vaccinated in the last couple of weeks since that's been available," Mr McLachlan said.
"Across the whole of Western NSW there's around 60 per cent of kids in that age range have had a first dose, and that will obviously follow onto second dose quite soon.
"Needless to say, this is a crucial age group to get vaccinated as soon as possible. To parents, aunties and uncles, we've got the opportunities to get kids vaccinated. We know they're great spreaders of COVID and with schools going back and people circulating around it's something that's going to be crucial for us in the coming days and weeks."
The health boss also praised the Orange community who have come out in droves to get tested after more than a dozen venues of concern were listed this week.
"Can I please commend the community for coming out and getting tested," he said.
"I know there have been significant numbers of people today (Thursday), both at the showground and Wade Park coming out to get tested.
"It's a great response and we do need to find out where COVID might be lurking around Orange. We know there have been some long waits there, so If I could just ask for patience."
One new COVID case was announced for Orange up to 8pm Wednesday night, with the person being infectious in the community.
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