Local health authorities are turning an eye to vaccinating young people now that Covid vaccination rates in North Coast adults are above 80%.

Healthy North Coast Chief Executive Officer Julie Sturgess said the focus was now 'ensuring our younger community members are also protected'.

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‘We are well on the way to great vaccination rates for the older cohort, and we are encouraging families with younger teens to make appointments," she said.

‘As visitors return to our region and the holiday season approaches, it’s important that our younger community members are also protected from the worst of COVID-19.

‘I urge parents and carers to book appointments as soon as possible for their 12-15 year-olds, who have been eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination for some time.

‘As we move to living with COVID in the community, being vaccinated will mean getting COVID is less likely to be severe, can be treated at home, and is less likely to lead to hospitalisation.

‘Despite the slower start due to supply issues, North Coast is now on track for the highest growth in second dose vaccination rates across the State over the next month.

‘This shows that North Coast residents are keen to protect their community and their way of life.’

Healthy North Coast has been working with GPs and other primary health care providers to ensure their clinics have robust operational plans in place to minimise any potential disruption of services due to COVID-positive cases across their workforce or client base.

Anyone who has not yet been vaccinated can use the Vaccine Clinic Finder to book an appointment.