COVID vaccine rollout begins for Mid North Coast Local Health District staff

The first vaccinations will take place at Coffs Harbour, with Port Macquarie following a week later. Both clinics will be providing the AstraZeneca vaccine.

MNCLHD Chief Executive Stewart Dowrick said the Australian Government has developed a schedule that will see the most at-risk groups receive the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible.

"Phase 1a includes healthcare workers who work in areas such as emergency departments, intensive care units and our COVID-19 testing clinics," Mr Dowrick said.

"Other healthcare workers are included in Phase 1b. I would encourage people to use the Australian Government's online eligibility checker to see when and how they can access the COVID-19 vaccination program.

"Our team has been working exceptionally hard to prepare for our part in the national vaccination program. This has included training of staff who will administer the vaccine, rostering and booking vaccination appointments and organising the logistics to ensure everything flows smoothly.

"We continue to maintain full services at our hospitals and COVID-19 testing clinics while staff are being vaccinated."