INCREASING vaccination rates mean North Coast residents are better prepared as visitors arrive to the region in coming weeks.

Across all the North Coast LGAs the rate is now at 88% of those aged 16 and over now having had their first dose, well ahead of the national average of 82%.

60% of people on the North Coast are fully vaccinated, just behind the national average of 62%.

“I want to personally thank the whole community for their strong support for getting vaccinated and health providers for making it possible,” said Ms Julie Sturgess, Chief Executive Office of Healthy North Coast.

“With the recent easing of travel restrictions, and having people visit our region again, we can feel confident that the majority of our residents will have been vaccinated.

“While this doesn’t mean people won’t get COVID, they are better protected from serious disease and the risk of hospitalisation.

“We’re certainly moving towards being a ‘community with immunity’.”

 

By Sandra MOON