North Coast community hits fully vaccinated rate of 80%, with one dose rate at 93%.

• Primary health care providers have delivered more than 75% of the region’s COVID-19 vaccine doses.
• Healthy North Coast is working with primary health care providers to plan for the future – living with COVID and minimising risk.

Healthy North Coast Chief Executive Officer Julie Sturgess says the North Coast community and health providers have done an incredible job delivering a successful COVID-19 vaccine rollout across the region.

‘First doses across the region are at 93% – ahead of the national average of 88% – and I would expect that to flow through to double doses,’ Ms Sturgess said.

‘Across the greater North Coast area, our GPs, Aboriginal medical services and community pharmacies have administered about 75% of all COVID-19 vaccinations, or more than 751,000 jabs in arms,’ she said.

Ms Sturgess said about 3% of doses were administered in residential aged care or disability facilities and 22% by NSW Health.

‘Even as vaccination rates continue to rise, we also know the virus will continue to circulate in all communities, particularly with easing of restrictions and arrival of visitors to our region.

‘With high rates of immunity, though, we expect most COVID cases going forward can be managed at home or with support from your GP, so we are working closely with GPs and other primary health care providers as we all learn to live with COVID,’ Ms Sturgess said.

Anyone who has not yet been vaccinated can use the Vaccine Clinic Finder to book an appointment.

How to protect yourself and others

• Get a COVID-19 vaccination.
• Always check in and out, wherever you can.
• Wear a face mask when required.
• Get tested if you have the mildest of symptoms – even if you have been double vaccinated.
• Self-isolate until you get a negative test result.
• Practise good hygiene. Wash your hands often and well.
• Gather outdoors or in large well-ventilated indoor spaces.
• Physically distance where you can.