Northern NSW Local Health District thanks the community for reaching a milestone of more than 90 percent of those aged 15 and over fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and continues to encourage people eligible for vaccines and boosters to step up.
Data from the Commonwealth Government shows that five out of the seven Local Government Areas within Northern NSW are above 90 percent fully vaccinated, with Tweed LGA at 89 percent and Byron LGA currently at 84.4 percent.
While numbers of COVID-19 cases in Northern NSW are at a peak since the pandemic began, hospitalisations remain low.
Chief Executive Northern NSW Local Health District, Wayne Jones, said the high vaccination rates were a key factor in keeping people out of hospital, and were critical to protecting people against the most severe effects of the virus.
“We had been expecting to see a rise in cases over summer, in line with eased restrictions and more mobility across communities, and to see our vaccination rates also now at these high levels is extremely promising,” Mr Jones said.
Mr Jones urged anyone who has not yet been vaccinated, or is due for their booster, to come forward as soon as possible to get the extra level of protection that the vaccines provide.
“The emergence of the Omicron variant is a timely reminder of the importance of booster shots in maintaining a high level of protection against the COVID-19 virus,” Mr Jones said.
“There are still plenty of days before Christmas to get vaccinated, to make sure you’re giving yourself and your loved ones the best chance at staying well during the festive season.
“Don’t take COVID with you, wherever you go this summer.”
The three permanent vaccination clinics run by Northern NSW Local Health District at Tweed Heads, Lismore, and Grafton will continue to offer vaccinations for people requiring first, second or booster doses.
Given the likelihood of ongoing transmission of both Omicron and Delta variants, ATAGI recommends COVID-19 booster vaccination for anyone aged 18 and older who completed their primary course of COVID-19 vaccination 5 or more months ago.