More than 98,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have now been given across the North Coast.
This is an increase of around 22,500 in the past fortnight in the Healthy North Coast footprint, which covers from Tweed Heads to Port Macquarie. The previous fortnightly jump was more than 18,000, showing the vaccine effort is gathering pace.
Over the same period, weekly supply of the AstraZeneca vaccine to general practices has increased significantly to 26,400. The number of vaccine doses available at Commonwealth Vaccination Clinics has been boosted and NSW Health has established vaccination centres at local hospitals, as well as a number of pop-up clinics.
Healthy North Coast Chief Executive Julie Sturgess said the latest figures showed people were embracing the need to vaccinate against COVID-19.
‘There are now more and more options to get vaccinated,’ Ms Sturgess said. ‘I encourage our communities to take the opportunity to safeguard themselves and others against COVID-19 by getting the jab.
‘The figures we’re seeing are a strong start, but there’s plenty more to do.’
About 80 per cent of North Coast residential aged care facilities have finished resident vaccinations, with the remainder expected to be completed by the end of this month.
This week the Australian Government revised its vaccine rollout plans, making the following people eligible for vaccination:
- all adults aged 40 to 49
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 16 to 49
- NDIS participants aged years 16 and over, and carers of NDIS participants of any age
- temporary visa holders under 50 who are currently in Australia and have an approved exemption for return travel.
Pfizer is the preferred vaccine for people aged under 50, but AstraZeneca can be given if a person gives informed consent after consultation with their doctor. AstraZeneca is the recommended vaccine for people aged 50 and over.
Access to vaccination is also dependent on local vaccine supply and demand, there may be waiting lists in some areas. The best way for people to find out when and where they can book a vaccination is by using the online Vaccine Eligibility Checker and clinic finder.