Tamworth doctor congratulates residents on vaccine uptake despite new federal government statistics for NSW

Northwest Health GP Dr Ian Kamerman told the Leader government data that shows the New England North West region is ranked among the lowest in the state for vaccination rates is not indicative of a problem.

He said the region appears to be roughly in line with other parts of regional NSW.

"When I first saw the figures ... I actually thought that means we're doing really well," he said.

"There is always room to do better ... but I don't think there's a huge issue."

The numbers relate to new data released by the federal government this week that indicates fewer than one in six people in the New England North West area have been fully immunised against COVID-19.

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The data shows 38.2 per cent of people in the region 15 and older have had "at least" one dose of any brand of vaccine; while 15.1 per cent of locals older than 15 have had their second and final jab.

The data includes statistics up until Sunday night, based on geographical area.

Dr Kamerman said the local rates are in line with - or slightly better than - the national average, and are also pretty good compared to other regional areas.

In the data released by the Australian government, the average rate for fully vaccinated people across the 28 locations in the state comes in at about 18-19 per cent, compared to the local area's 15.1 per cent.

"The population is certainly responding to what is happening in Sydney and people have been essentially lining up to be vaccinated," Dr Kamerman said.

"It's really good that people in the region are rolling up their sleeves and seeing their doctors, nurses and pharmacists and getting vaccinated to reduce the spread of this pandemic."

He said Northwest Health is even scheduling more vaccination appointments due to demand.

Despite the positive outlook from his perspective, Dr Kamerman urged locals to seek a jab when they can.

He reminded residents that pregnant women and eligible children aged 12 to 15 years - those with underlying health conditions or who are Aboriginal - can get the Pfizer dose.

Younger people aged between 18 years and 40 years can also talk to their doctors about getting AstraZeneca, which has proved popular at the Tamworth GP.

People aged between 40 and 60 are eligible for Pfizer and locals older than 60 can access AstraZeneca.

GP and respiratory clinics are not affected by the state government redirecting Pfizer jabs to Sydney.

Booking and eligibility information can be found on the government's online checker.

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