• Parents and carers urged to consider vaccinations for 12 to 15-year-olds.   
• North Coast vaccination rates at 88.4%, exceeding national average of 83%. 
• Most North Coast LGAs over 80% double-vaccinated, with Byron Shire at 79% double-dosed.

With school holidays only weeks away, Healthy North Coast’s Chief Executive Officer Julie Sturgess says now is the time for parents and carers to make vaccination of our younger teen residents a priority.  

‘We know families are making holiday plans as the end of the school year approaches and we would love to see vaccination of our 12 to 15-year-olds part of that preparation,’ Ms Sturgess said.  

‘Even one dose gives greater protection than none.  

‘Our GPs, pharmacies, pop-up clinics and Aboriginal medical services will continue to vaccinate everyone who is eligible. It has never been easier to get vaccinated with more than 200 locations available across our region.     

‘After-school and weekend walk-ins at pharmacies are handy for busy families, though many parents also love the certainty of a vaccination booking.’  

National data shows 73% of people aged 12–15 are already vaccinated with their first dose and 59% are vaccinated with two doses. Regional data is currently not available for this age group.  

‘Once supply arrived in the region, the North Coast community came out in force to ensure we have the best protection possible against the worst of COVID,’ Ms Sturgess said.  

‘We are currently sitting at 88.4% of eligible residents 16 years and over now fully vaccinated, which is greater than the national average of 83% for double-dose vaccinations.’  

Most North Coast LGAs are now over 80% double vaccinated, with Byron Shire, currently at 79% double-dosed, soon to tip that point as well.   

‘Next week, we will surge past the 90% fully vaccinated mark in our region and we expect to see rates upwards of 95% for the whole of the North Coast before the end of the year,’ Ms Sturgess said. 

‘This speaks volumes about our region’s focus on health and wellbeing and the tremendous effort of all of our vaccinating practices and providers.’  

Vaccination bookings can be made through the Vaccination Clinic Finder.

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.