Western Sydney NRL All Stars blockbuster booster blitz a hit!

“I think it’s absolutely deadly as we say.”

Aboriginal woman and All Stars game attendee Tarina Fanning was pleased to be able to “kill two birds with one stone” at the NRL All Stars Game on Saturday, 12 February.

“I think it’s an awesome opportunity for us mob to stay safe from COVID by getting vaccinated,” said Tarina.

The NRL game was held at Parramatta’s Commbank Stadium and marked the first official fixture of the 2022 NRL season. It was also the first time since the concept began in 2010 that the game was played in Sydney, making it a great base for the vaccination pop-up clinic.   

“The event was a success and was an excellent opportunity for the WSLHD COVID-19 Outreach Vaccination team to support the vaccination of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Population, Pasifika Community and general population attending the game,” said WSLHD COVID-19 Outreach Vaccination Lead, Jannelle Masa.          

“The team worked really well together and felt honoured to be part of such a big event in order to keep the community safe.”

The vaccination pop-up clinic ran from 4pm – 8pm in the stadium’s South West Terrace and provided 80 Pfizer doses for eligible adults and children aged 5 years and above.

During the first game’s half time, Aboriginal Australian journalist and Today Show TV presenter Brooke Boney led a Q&A with Belinda to promote the vaccination clinic.

“The clinic exceeded expectations”, said WSLHD Manager for Aboriginal Health Services and proud Wiradjuri woman Belinda Cashman.

“We had a good crowd come through and get their vaccination and I think that it’s been very well received.”

Maori woman, Kalais Rawiri, who came out to watch the All Stars games, slept through her recently scheduled booster appointment.

“I was supposed to book another one, but I don’t have to anymore. Tonight made it easily accessible.”

I scored the first try tonight because I got the booster shot!”

All Stars game attendee Kalais Rawiri

The COVID-19 vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, your family and the community. If you have questions about getting a COVID-19 booster, please peak to your GP, Aboriginal Medical Service or Aboriginal Health Worker about what is best to help protect you. They can provide trusted information about the COVID-19 vaccines and what to expect.

NSW Health’s Weekend walk-in booster drive will be running every weekend until Sunday, 6 March. Details of all the NSW Health clinics participating, with locations and opening times, are available through nsw.gov.au/weekend-walk-in.