COVID-19 vaccine supplies to local general practices will increase substantially from this week, allowing more people to get the jab.
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GP clinics that have been receiving 50 doses of vaccine a week will see that figure triple. Clinics receiving 100 doses a week will now receive 200.
The increase will happen over the next three weeks as new supplies are delivered to more than 110 participating general practices on the North Coast. The change will increase the number of weekly doses offered by general practices to the community from 12,950 to 22,550.
The number of vaccine doses provided to local general practice respiratory clinics (GPRCs) will also increase by several thousand a week.
So far more than 40,000 people have received COVID-19 vaccinations across the region.
Healthy North Coast chief executive Julie Sturgess welcomed last week's Australian Government decision to boost the number of COVID vaccine doses.
"There has been a great response to the vaccination program, with many people trying to secure a vaccination appointment," Ms Sturgess said.
"Close to 10,000 extra doses of COVID-19 vaccine a week will now be offered by GPs across the North Coast, which is great news for our community. Combined with the increased vaccine availability at GPRCs and through NSW Health, we will see people getting vaccinated at the highest rate since the rollout commenced."
The best way for people to find out when and where they can book in for a vaccination is by using the online Vaccine Eligibility Checker and clinic finder. (some GP clinics have chosen not to be listed.)
Vaccines and how the vaccine rollout works
The Australian Government has implemented a staged rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination program. The most vulnerable people in the community are targeted to receive their vaccination first. Details are available here.
There are two different COVID-19 vaccines currently available in Australia - AstraZeneca and Pfizer. In general, the AstraZeneca vaccine is recommended for people aged 50 and over and the Pfizer vaccine is recommended for people under 50. Having a vaccine is voluntary and there is no cost.
The vaccines are made differently and are considered safe and effective. For more information, visit:
- Pfizer vaccine recommended for people under 50 years of age
- AstraZeneca vaccine recommended for people aged 50 years and over
- Weighing up the potential benefits against risk of harm from AstraZeneca vaccine.
People in Phase 1a and Phase 1b of the staged rollout are currently being vaccinated. States and territories have begun vaccinating people in Phase 2a, starting with all adults aged 50 years and over. This group can now receive the AstraZeneca vaccine at GP respiratory clinics and state and territory-run clinics, which are mostly hospital-based.
From May 17, people aged 50 years and over will also be able to receive the AstraZeneca vaccine at participating general practices.
Vaccinations are also available at many Aboriginal and community controlled health services and, in coming months, will be delivered from some local pharmacies.
North Coast General Practice Respiratory Clinic locations
Anyone can go to one of these clinics for the jab. You do not need to be an existing patient.
Nambucca Valley Respiratory Clinic, 2191 Giinagay Way, Nambucca Heads, ph 6568-8688
Kempsey Respiratory Clinic, 35 Belgrave St, Kempsey, ph 1300 170 901
Wauchope Respiratory Clinic, 3 Campbell St, Wauchope, ph 6585-1388.
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