Australia Monday formally rolled out booster shots of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine amid further easing of restrictions in the state of New South Wales. Sydney, the capital of New South Wales and Australia’s largest city, was under a lockdown for nearly 100 days due to a surge in COVID-19 cases. The relaxation in New South Wales lifted curbs on house guests or outdoor gatherings, among other measures, for people who are fully vaccinated. The outbreaks of Delta variant also prompted a months-long lockdown in Melbourne. “We’re leading the nation out of the pandemic,” said New South Wales premier Dominic Perrottet, as he called for a “final push” to reach the target of 95% vaccinations.

Australia has sped up vaccination rates since July, with full inoculations crossing the 80% mark as of November 6.

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Australia also allowed citizens and permanent residents who have received both their shots to travel internationally and return home from November 1.

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said more than 173,000 booster shots have already been administered in aged care centres and for some health workers ahead of Monday’s formal rollout.

“So we are off to a flying start … it’s a great start and good news for Australians,” Hunt told Seven News on Monday.

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The booster doses will be given to people 18 and over who took their second shot more than six months ago.

With about 181,600 cases and 1,827 deaths, Australia has one of the lowest coronavirus numbers in the developed world.

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Victoria, which logged 1,126 new cases on Monday, accounts for most of the new infections. Neighbouring New South Wales reported 187 infections, while other states and territories have zero or very few cases.

Western Australia state will re-open when it hits the 90% level of double vaccine doses, its premier said.