Having had no reactions after his first jab of the AstraZeneca (AZ) Covid-19 vaccine, Federal MP Kevin Hogan hopes that after his second dose today, it will be much the same.

“I feel fine," he said, as he emerged from Lismore Shopping Square's vaccination clinic.

He’s now joined the 33% of Far North Coast residents who have had both doses of vaccine.

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“More than one in two people in our community have had their first dose, and more than one in three have had their second,” he said.

When asked if he deliberately chose AstraZeneca over Pfizer, Mr Hogan said AZ he was happy with it.

“I am under 60 and could have done either one,” he said. “There’s not much risk for me getting blood clotting – it would have been more dangerous getting on a plane.”

More vaccines on the way

The current long waiting periods for the first doses of vaccine will soon change.

Mr Hogan said supplies of Pfizer in the local region are due to double in the next four to six weeks.

“From mid-September, we should see a quicker process for people who want to book in to get their jabs,” he said.

“Our aim is that everyone who wants to be vaccinated will be by the end of this year.

“I’ve waited 12 weeks for my second jab of AstraZeneca and Pfizer is only three weeks between doses, so that will really pick up the double doses.”

Will we need boosters?

When asked if we will all need to have vaccine booster shots after our initial vaccinations, Mr Hogan said boosters will likely be similar to a flu shot, which needs to be updated due to virus variants.

While not everyone currently chooses to get a flu shot, The Lismore App asked Mr Hogan if it will be a different situation with the Covid vaccine booster, where personal restrictions will apply if boosters are not taken?

“Our advice is that Covid is more dangerous than a flu,” he said. “We have been advised to get people vaccinated then transmission will be lower.

“Let’s see what happens. But boosters will be free and voluntary, just like vaccinations.

“Going forward, there will be a lot more choice with boosters, as more are approved by the TGA.”

Vaccine passports?

With greater freedoms already coming into play for those who are vaccinated, Mr Hogan was asked if we will eventually have a uniform passport to prove we are vaccinated.

At the moment, if you have been vaccinated, your My Gov account will have a record of your vaccination – and you can also ask for proof of inoculation from the Australian Immunisation Register.  

“We are seeing in Australia the strengths and weaknesses of our Federation,” he said.

“State governments have different restrictions – but we would like to keep the same uniform rules.

“Western Australia and Queensland are running off different rules. If you have been vaccinated, then why are you being stopped from doing anything?

“If you can show something and get an exception, we would encourage that.”

Ticket to ”normal life”

Mr Hogan said being vaccinated “is our ticket back to normal life”. Mr Hogan said.

“Once we achieve 70%-80% vaccination we will see less transmission of COVID-19 and fewer people with severe illness. This means restrictions and lockdowns should not be required and our lives can get back to normal.”

“I recommend everyone monitor the Clinic Finder website as new clinics and appointments are being added regularly.”

To book in for your vaccine or check your eligibility, visit this site: https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility

Latest Covid update for our region

Today, there are no new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in residents of Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD).

NNSWLHD acting chief executive Lynne Weir said during the week of 15-21 August there were 10,053 tests conducted among local residents, compared to 18,198 the previous week.  

“These numbers need to stay high, and I encourage others who may have symptoms to not hesitate in coming forward for testing. It’s one of the simplest things you can do to help your close circle and our wider community.  

“The more our community gets tested, the better chance we have of finding any new cases quickly, which helps make the work of our health teams easier and provides us with a more complete picture of the current outbreak.  

Symptoms of COVID-19 can include a runny nose, scratchy or sore throat, cough, fever, shortness of breath, headache, tiredness, loss of taste or smell, nausea, diarrhoea or muscle aches. 

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

The current stay-at-home orders in regional NSW have been extended by two weeks, until at least 11:59pm on 10 September, in line with existing orders for the Greater Sydney area.  

Rule and restrictions

The restrictions for regional NSW are available at: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid 19/rules/affected-regions.  

“Please stay home, and only leave your home if you have a reasonable excuse. Do not travel outside your local area if you can avoid it,” Ms Weir said.  

“When you go out for essential shopping or work, you should consider that others you come into contact with may have the virus and not know it. 

“You need to carry a face mask with you at all times, and wear a mask if you are outdoors in a public place, as well as working outdoors. When indoors, masks are required in all non-residential settings, public transport and venues. 

“We shouldn’t forget the fundamental public health measures that are so key to our safety at the moment. 

“These are simple actions like staying 1.5 metres away from others, washing your hands regularly or using hand sanitiser, coughing or sneezing into your elbow and staying at home when sick.”