Vaccination rates across the Mid North Coast are close to the state average, with 84 per cent of people having had their first dose.
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With COVID-19 vaccine supplies doubling across the North Coast - and Moderna now available at many pharmacies alongside AstraZeneca - people are being encouraged to make a vaccination appointment.
"The good news is that this month has seen a doubling of general practice Pfizer dose supply from about 10,000 doses per week to over 20,000 doses per week. This will triple in October to over 30,000 doses per week," Healthy North Coast chief executive officer Julie Sturgess said.
"This is in addition to the vaccines being administered by Commonwealth Vaccination Centres, NSW Health clinics, community pharmacies and Aboriginal Medical Services.
"We anticipate about 11,000 doses of Moderna will be available per week through about 91 pharmacies, with the Pharmacy Guild of Australia (PGA) playing the lead role in enabling distribution of this new vaccine.
"We are pleased at the rising vaccine uptake rate across the North Coast, with 79 per cent of those aged over 16 having had their first dose and 49 per cent having had their second dose."
This is slightly higher (three per cent) than the national average but lower (seven per cent) than the state average.
"This difference is due to the significant push and increased dose supply supporting Sydneysiders to get vaccinated," Ms Sturgess said.
"The Mid North Coast area is closer to the state average, with 84 per cent of people having had their first dose.
"Overall, rates in our region have been increasing about five per cent a week, which is on par with national vaccination trends."
Port Macquarie pharmacist Judy Plunkett said she was looking forward to being able to vaccinate members of the local community with Moderna.
"We are pleased to be able to continue to support the vaccine rollout with both AstraZeneca and now Moderna vaccine and help to keep our communities safe," she said.
She encouraged people not to wait to make a Moderna appointment, as demand is expected to be high.
Healthy North Coast encourages all residents to make a vaccination appointment by visiting the online Vaccine Clinic Finder today.
Participating general practices, Commonwealth Vaccination Centres and pharmacies are all listed in the Vaccine Clinic Finder (previously called the Vaccine Eligibility Checker).
The clinic finder is now a lot simpler to use. It provides a handy map to show you where there are vaccination services in your area, as well as clinic contact details.
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