Getting a Covid-19 vaccination can be part of a normal shopping trip to Lismore Square, now that Lismore’s new vaccination clinic has opened in the shopping centre.

The new clinic opened about two weeks ago, and a steady stream of people keen for the jab have been filtering through.

According to Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) chief executive Wayne Jones, the response from the community to the new AstraZeneca vaccination clinic at Lismore Square has been “exceptional”. 

“We’ve had people come from across the broader region to be vaccinated here,” Mr Jones said. 

“The location at the Square is very convenient for the community, and the feedback from the general public has been very positive.  

“The booking process is working well, and our team is able to ensure we can maximise the volume of people attending the clinic every day, as well as the supply of vaccines.”

Mr Jones said the clinic staff are providing vaccinations continuously throughout the day, and the vax schedulers work with each person to book a time that’s convenient for them.”

The clinic is open Monday to Friday, from 7.30am to 4pm and is located at Shop 13, next to Kmart at Lismore Square, corner of Brewster and Uralba streets, Lismore.

How do you book in?

“In the first instance, people aged 50 and over should go through their General Practitioner (GP) to book their AstraZeneca vaccination,” he said.

“But those who cannot access the vaccination through their GP can book directly with the Lismore Square vaccination clinic by calling 1800 438 829 (1800 GET VAX).”

Covid testing statistics

So, how is NSW going with numbers of people getting tested for Covid 19? 

Healthy North Coast chief executive Julie Sturgess said of the people who have taken COVID-19 tests in NSW, 61% were tested once, with 39% tested on multiple occasions. 

More than 52,000 people have been tested five or more times.

People in the 30-to-39-year age group accounted for the highest number of tests (1,077,602, 18% of all tests), followed by those aged 20 to 29 (923,657 tests, 15%) and those aged 40 to 49 (855,231 tests, 14%).

How many people are getting the vaccine jab?

More than 75,000 Covid vaccine doses have already been administered in our region.

Across NSW, NSW Health has already administered 73,603 vaccines, bringing the total number of vaccines administered to 1,287,975.

Ms Sturgess said 418,996 doses have been administered by NSW Health and 868,979 administered by the GP network and other providers.

Vaccine doses increase 

More vaccines have also been made available across the North Coast region, from Tweed Heads to Port Macquarie.

Ms Sturgess said supplies to general practice are increasing from 22,550 per week to 26,400 per week. 

“That means 3,850 more vaccines a week will be available for North Coast residents,” she said.   

“Doses at identified high demand GP clinics and Commonwealth Vaccination Clinics will also increase from 400 doses per week, to 600 per week. Sites with 200 allocation will rise to 300 per week, and sites with 150 will receive 200 per week.

“These targeted increases are intended to boost access to the vaccines within areas of need and ensure sites that consistently use all doses have enough vaccines to administer second doses.”

More clinics on board

Healthy North Coast has also recently called for local GP clinics interested in administering the AstraZeneca vaccine, as they expand the network of vax clinics in NSW.

Between March and April 2021, 4,600 primary care vaccination sites joined the vax network (including 4,400 general practices). Now, another 900 additional sites will join the the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 Vaccination Program.

There are more than 300 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW. 

Stay safe

NNSWLHD chief executive Wayne Jones said "as well as getting a COVID-19 vaccination, we urge people to remember to take practical steps to stay COVID-safe, including practising good hand hygiene, physical distancing and always using QR codes to check in to and out of venues".

“As the recent cases in Victoria show, COVID-19 can re-emerge at any time," he said.

NSW Health continues to recommend masks be worn in any situation where physical distancing is not possible, such as on public transport.  

Anyone experiencing even the mildest of cold-like symptoms should come forward immediately for testing, then isolate until a negative result is received. 

To find your nearest clinic, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/how-to-protect-yourself-and-others/clinics or contact your GP.