A “vocal minority” spreading disinformation about the coronavirus is being blamed for low levels of COVID-19 vaccination in Byron Bay, as the tourist mecca confronts a potential outbreak that threatens to push the region’s hospital system beyond its limits.

Lennox Head resident Nicqui Yazdi, a former Byron Shire citizen of the year who runs a youth alcohol and drug safety program, said anti-vaccination conspiracy theories and a “vocal minority” spreading misinformation had contributed to high rates of hesitancy in the region.