Don't hesitate to get your COVID-19 vaccine, authorities say

That's the message from authorities as winter approaches and new cases are detected in Melbourne.

The new cluster in Melbourne's northern suburbs, which has triggered restrictions in Greater Melbourne, acts as a reminder for Australians to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Chief medical officer Professor Paul Kelly said we have been in a very good position all year in terms of locally-acquired cases but that can change very quickly.

"If you are in the list to get a vaccine, please make that appointment with your GP, make that appointment with one of our GP respiratory clinics, make that appointment with one of the state and territory clinics to get that vaccine which is on offer to you," he said.

"Please do not hesitate to do that."

The COVID-19 vaccine rollout started with priority groups in a phased approach.

More than 3.6 million vaccinations have been administered at more than 5,320 sites across the country.

Last week saw vaccines become available to everyone in Australia aged 50 and over.

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This contributed to the biggest vaccination week so far, with more than 510,000 doses administered across the country, according to the Vaccine Operations Centre weekly operational update.

The AstraZeneca vaccine is available to people aged 50 and over through participating general practices in the Hastings.

The national vaccine rollout harnesses a combination of GP-led respiratory clinics, general practices, Aboriginal Controlled Community Health Services, and state-and territory-run vaccination clinics.

The Mid North Coast Local Health District continues to vaccinate its workforce and priority groups by appointment only from centres at Port Macquarie Base Hospital and Coffs Harbour Health Campus.

The time is approaching for their second vaccine dose in some cases.

Meanwhile, people aged 40 to 49 can register their interest with Service NSW for the Pfizer vaccine at nsw.gov.au.

They will then be notified when an appointment can be made.

Port Macquarie Base Hospital is among 25 Pfizer sites across the state for the 40 to 49 age group.

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