Across the Northern Rivers area, Lismore’s vaccination rates are rising – but are still the second lowest across the North Coast area.

At the moment Lismore stands at 88.6% of the population with one dose and 61.8% with two doses.

This compares to Byron Bay’s vaccination rates (which are the lowest in the area) – standing at 80.4% one dose and 55.3% with two doses. 

In comparison, Ballina’s rates are much higher, with 71.4% with one dose and 93.7% with two doses. 

Post Macquarie and Coffs Harbour are sitting at the top of the comparative vaccination rates (with Port Macquarie sitting on 95% one dose and 79% two doses).

Healthy North Coast (HNC) today released figures showing 70% of North Coast residents aged 15 years and over have had their second COVID-19 vaccination, with all

Local Government Areas (LGAs) over 80% for first doses.

HNC chief executive Julie Sturgess said it was good news for the local community – as holiday travel season is almost here.

North Coast communities from Port Macquarie to Tweed Heads are well on their way to

“People will be seeing their freedoms open up as the region approaches the 70% double-vaccination benchmark,” she said.

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“In the past week, we saw an 8% increase in the rate of vaccinations for the COVID-19 second dose, which is the most significant jump in vaccination rates we have seen in one week.  

 “The numbers for the first vaccination are even better, with almost 400,000 people (90% of those aged 15 years and over) having now received their first dose.  

“It’s so encouraging to see these numbers for first doses, as this should flow through to fully vaccinated rates of more than 90% for residents 15 years and over across the North Coast.”

 “While we are still working hard to ensure that anyone 15 years and over can access the vaccination if they want to, it’s also time to start considering vaccination protection for our younger residents aged 12-14 years,’ said Ms Sturgess.  

"In the run-up to the school holidays and Christmas, I encourage anyone who is still unvaccinated to make an appointment for themselves or their family members as soon as they can, in advance of the region opening up to travellers once more,” said Ms Sturgess.  

To find a provider and book an appointment, access the online Vaccine Clinic Finder